EC Confirms 51 Organizations for Voter Education and Observation as Ushahidi Foundation Launches Voter Awareness Campaign

By Kabuye Ronald

The Electoral Commission (EC) has accredited only 51 organizations out of over 100 applicants to participate in voter education, election monitoring, and other electoral activities ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Elections, scheduled to take place between January and February 2026.

The announcement was made by Jacinta Kasozi, an official from the EC’s Voter Education and Training Department, during the launch of a voter education campaign by the Ushahidi Foundation. The campaign aims to empower voters to make informed and transformational choices while resisting bribery and other electoral malpractices.

Kasozi’s remarks followed concerns raised by Faridah Lule, Executive Director of the Ushahidi Foundation, who criticized the late accreditation of their organization, which she said delayed the commencement of their voter education activities. She urged the EC to improve its processes in the future for the benefit of the electorate and the broader public.

In response, Kasozi attributed the delay to the rigorous and critical scrutiny applied to all applicants. She revealed that some previously accredited organizations had used their platforms to promote unethical agendas that deviated from their submitted mandates. Kasozi also cited inadequate funding as a major challenge hampering effective voter education efforts.

The Ushahidi Foundation’s voter education campaign was launched in Kampala in an event attended by officials from the Independent Electoral Commission, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), religious leaders, and civil society organizations. The campaign will run under the theme “Kura Yangu, Sauti Yangu!” loosely translated as “My Vote, My Voice!”

Speaking at the launch, Faridah Lule emphasized that the campaign focuses not only on voter education and upholding electoral principles, but also on building a network of empowered citizens who understand the importance of good governance. She highlighted that elections should serve as a starting point for national stability and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

“Our program includes livelihood initiatives as a way to combat vote bribery. Politicians often exploit poverty to buy votes, so we are starting with the poorest and most violence-prone districts,” Lule said.

Dr. Livingstone Ssewanyana, Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), who was the keynote speaker at the event, called on Ugandans to become more self-aware and elect leaders with integrity.

“Citizens must be empowered to elect leaders who will transform not just their communities, but the country at large,” Dr. Ssewanyana said. “As we head into 2026, we must mobilize and sensitize voters to choose candidates with the skills, knowledge, and conviction needed for real transformation.”

Retired Col. Steven Basaliza and Dr. Omara Apitta Lamex, both commissioners at the UHRC, echoed the need for continuous civic education not just during the election season.

“Our people have turned elections into a money-making venture. In the past, voters sought value in a candidate; today, it’s almost impossible to win without money. We must intensify voter education to reverse this trend,” said Col. Basaliza.

Dr. Omara added that although Uganda lacks a national civic education policy, the UHRC has already drafted one and engaged various stakeholders. The draft is currently awaiting Cabinet approval.

“The commercialization of elections is dangerous. Intentional and deliberate voter education is the antidote. An informed electorate is less likely to fall for bribes and more likely to demand accountability from their leaders,” Dr. Omara noted. “When voters accept bribes, they sell their voices and with that, their power to hold leaders accountable.”