Uganda's Internal Affairs Minister told election officials to stay within their legal boundaries ahead of 2026 voting. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire spoke at a meeting with political groups and civil society leaders on Tuesday. He asked everyone to respect each other's jobs and avoid crossing into other people's work areas. The minister said following the law prevents fights between different groups. He warned against political parties interfering with police work and security forces meddling with elections.
Past elections saw ugly clashes between opposition parties and government security teams. Civil society groups faced arrests and detention during 2021 voting season. Security forces rounded up election observers who tried to set up their vote counting center. The detained activists were released without charges but had to report to police for six months afterward. Government officials often call civil society groups foreign agents working against the state.
The NGO Bureau suspended dozens of organizations before the last election cycle. Officials said these groups violated registration rules and failed to file required reports. Opposition parties claim security forces make campaigning dangerous for their candidates. Civil society leaders want an independent election commission and removal of military personnel from polling stations. They also demand equal media access and campaign finance laws for fair elections.
Past elections saw ugly clashes between opposition parties and government security teams. Civil society groups faced arrests and detention during 2021 voting season. Security forces rounded up election observers who tried to set up their vote counting center. The detained activists were released without charges but had to report to police for six months afterward. Government officials often call civil society groups foreign agents working against the state.
The NGO Bureau suspended dozens of organizations before the last election cycle. Officials said these groups violated registration rules and failed to file required reports. Opposition parties claim security forces make campaigning dangerous for their candidates. Civil society leaders want an independent election commission and removal of military personnel from polling stations. They also demand equal media access and campaign finance laws for fair elections.
