Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U) in partnership and collaboration with the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) supported by USAID, held a Regional Dialogue on the quality of Uganda’s Elections at the White Horse Inn Hotel in Kabale District, Kigezi Region on Monday 20th May, 2024. The event brought together a diverse group of election stakeholders, including Electoral Commission, Political, Religious, security leaders, Media, Judiciary, Academia, Civil Society, and opinion leaders.
The dialogue was officially opened by Kabale District Chairman LCV, Mr.Nelson Nshangabasheija Bababa, who extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He commended KICK-U for organizing this significant event and expressed gratitude to the Chairperson of the Uganda Independent Electoral Commission for gracing the dialogue. “We are happy for you and that KICK-U has been doing very good work on the ground. Feel at home and enjoy the beauty of Kabale and the Kigezi region, the Switzerland of Africa” Mr. Nshangabasheija stated.
Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of KICK-U, welcomed participants and urged the Electoral Commission to enhance partnership and collaboration with civil society organizations to promote civic and voter education for the growth and development of Democracy and Good Governance in Uganda. “Strengthening partnership and collaborations is essential for enhancing voter turnout and voter apathy by adhering to electoral process global and local standards hence promoting regular, peaceful, free and fair elections,” Kakuru stated. He expressed gratitude to the chairman Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama and all election stakeholders for always honoring KICK-U’s invitations and promised commitment to regularly organize such dialogues in a way of strengthening citizen engagements in elections of Uganda. He further requested the Electoral commission to always accredit Election Stakeholders like CSOs and development partners to observe the citizens elections as per the laws of Uganda.
The event also featured panel discussions with notable governance Experts such as Ms. Twembi Theopista of the Uganda Human Rights Commission - Kigezi Region, Dr. Mary Bekorire Wasike from Kabale University, Dr. Joseph Tindyebwa, and Mr.Basulwa Billy, the Head of NIRA-Kigezi region.
Dr. Tindyebwa underscored the importance of preventing Human Rights violations and abuses by security agencies during elections. He urged the Electoral Commission to prepare thoroughly for the 2026 General Elections to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections.
Dr. Wasike remarked, “Low voter turnout often indicates a disinterest in politics, attributed to factors like election violence, vote rigging, commercialization of politics, abuse of Human Rights and voter intimidation. These issues significantly contribute to the lack of civic and voter education. She emphasized the need to address these concerns comprehensively to improve election integrity.
Mr.Basulwa Billy, the Head of NIRA Office Kigezi Region, emphasized the role of NIRA whose mandate is to register births and deaths in the country and to develop a National Identification Register for both citizens and legally resident non-citizens. This helps the country to plan and involve her citizens in development processes like Elections.
Ms. Twembi Theopista, the Principal Human Rights Officer UHRC Kabale Regional office, share the role of the UHRC which is to investigate, at its own initiative or on a complaint made by any person or group of persons against the violation of any human right. She emphasized that UHRC is committed to execute its mandate and partner and collaborate with CSOs and other stakeholders as they conduct Civic Education.
Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Uganda, delivered the keynote address. He engaged regional leaders on critical issues, emphasizing the need to enhance citizen engagement in elections. Justice Byabakama highlighted the recurring concern of low voter turnout, noting that despite registering over 18.5 million voters of Ugandans for the 2021 general elections, only 11 million participated on polling day. During the planning process, we prepare for all registered voters, but low voter turnout results indicate a lot of wasted government resources, such as unused ballot papers. He urged local leaders and Civil Society organizations like Kick corruption of Uganda (KICK-U) to partner and collaborate with the Electoral Commission to promote Civic and Voter Education across the country. It is critical for leaders and CSOs at all levels to join hands with us,” he urged. Justice Byabakama concluded by stressing the importance of patriotism, reminding the audience of Uganda’s motto, “For God and my country.” He appreciated KICK-U’s efforts, saying, “We need such people and organizations that love their country. I thank Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the executive Director kick corruption Out of Uganda for inviting me and the entire Electoral commission to this productive Event of Election Stakeholders in Kigezi South Western Uganda.” He lastly committed to continue accrediting election observers as required by the laws using powers of the Commission.
Election Stakeholders, lauded KICK-U’s efforts, stating, “KICK-U has been doing very good work towards strengthening citizens' engagement in elections in the Kigezi region. There is a need for the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to support organizations like KICK-U more because of the good work in educating Ugandans.” They requested the Chairperson of the electoral commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, his office, and Government to continue partnering with CSOs to further implement these efforts.
The Regional Dialogue on the quality of Uganda’s Elections in Kigezi Region was a significant step towards fostering a more engaged and informed electorate, ensuring that future elections in Uganda are peaceful, free and fair, transparent, and accountable if we are to improve our Democracy.
