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By Alexander Luyima
April 9, 2026
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly criticized remarks made by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni regarding the disputed Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament election, describing them as unconstitutional and a direct intrusion into Uganda’s electoral and judicial processes.
In a statement released on April 9, the ULS raised concern over comments made during the National Resistance Movement leaders’ retreat in Kyankwanzi. The President reportedly addressed the ongoing electoral dispute between NRM candidate Justine Nameere and National Unity Platform candidate Rose Nalubowa, a matter that remains contested.
According to the legal body, such public pronouncements from the Head of State risk prejudicing an active electoral and legal process while weakening public confidence in constitutionally mandated institutions.
A senior member of the ULS stated that when a sitting president publicly expresses a position on a matter under review, it creates serious constitutional concerns and raises the perception of undue influence over independent bodies.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The Masaka City Woman MP race has been surrounded by controversy, including a court ordered recount and allegations of procedural irregularities. The ULS referred to its Election Observer Report released earlier this year, which documented concerns about how the process was conducted.
Legal observers have also pointed to the President’s reported engagement with the Electoral Commission and the Uganda Police Force, particularly regarding the removal and replacement of key officials during the process.
Dr. Sarah Bireete, a constitutional lawyer and governance analyst, has previously noted in public discussions on electoral justice that the independence of electoral management bodies is a constitutional safeguard and not a formality. She emphasized that any perceived interference from the executive weakens democratic legitimacy and erodes institutional trust.
Constitutional Violations Raised
The ULS pointed to possible violations of Articles 62 and 128 of the Constitution of Uganda, which guarantee the independence of the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary.
Article 62 provides that the Electoral Commission must operate independently and must not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. Article 128 affirms that courts must exercise their functions without interference from any individual or institution.
A Kampala based constitutional law lecturer familiar with election litigation explained that the principle of separation of powers is central to the rule of law. According to the lecturer, any executive commentary that appears to influence or direct outcomes risks undermining both the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
Call for Institutional Restraint
The ULS emphasized that election disputes must be resolved strictly through established legal mechanisms, free from external pressure or public commentary that may shape outcomes.
The society called on all actors, especially those within the executive, to exercise restraint and respect institutional boundaries in order to preserve public confidence in democratic systems.
The statement further noted that public trust depends on the visible independence of institutions and warned that any action or statement that compromises this perception must be avoided.
A Broader Democratic Test
The developments surrounding the Masaka election reflect wider concerns about governance, rule of law, and institutional independence in Uganda. Observers believe that how this matter is handled will influence future electoral disputes and the credibility of democratic processes.
As proceedings continue, attention remains on whether Uganda’s institutions will maintain their independence in the face of political pressure.
For many, the issue extends beyond a single parliamentary contest and speaks to the strength of constitutional order and democratic accountability in Uganda.
