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As Uganda barrels toward the 2026 general elections, a shocking exposé has revealed a potential abuse of power that threatens the very foundation of democracy in the country. Opposition leaders, led by Hon. Jimmy Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), are sounding the alarm over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) handling of sensitive nomination data—a revelation that could have far-reaching consequences for the upcoming polls.
EC Accused of Endangering Opposition Supporters
Akena, acting as a whistleblower, disclosed that after submitting more than 29,000 nomination signatures from 118 districts, the EC allowed this information to be shared with the Internal Security Organization (ISO), a government intelligence agency. The result: direct contact, intimidation, and threats aimed at grassroots supporters who had lent their names to the UPC’s campaign.
“Why did the Electoral Commission hand over my supporters’ information to ISO, who then called them directly?” Akena asked. “This is not just a breach of trust—it is a tool for voter intimidation.”
A Pattern of Political Intimidation
This incident is not isolated. Opposition parties, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s National Unity Platform (NUP), have long raised alarms over EC bias and intimidation tactics. Reports indicate that District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) and other government officials have coerced voters to retract endorsements, undermining democratic participation.
The political climate is further darkened by rising instances of abductions, threats, and politically motivated violence targeting opposition members and supporters. Human rights organizations warn that these practices erode democratic norms and silence dissent ahead of the election season.
Demanding Accountability
Opposition leaders are demanding immediate transparency and accountability from the EC. They are calling on international observers, civil society groups, and watchdog organizations to step in and ensure that Uganda’s elections are conducted fairly, freely, and without fear of reprisal.
With nomination submissions scheduled for September 23–24, the stakes could not be higher. The handling of signatures and the involvement of security agencies have become a litmus test for Uganda’s commitment to democracy.
The coming weeks will determine whether Uganda can safeguard its democratic institutions or whether intimidation and abuse of power will define the 2026 elections. As a whistleblower, Hon. Akena’s revelations underscore the urgent need for vigilance, transparency, and protection for citizens exercising their democratic rights.
