1. Slow voting process
Voting was slow at many polling stations. One of the main causes was the late arrival of voters, which forced election officials to repeatedly read out the voters’ register to identify eligible voters. In addition, many residents mistakenly believed that simply living in the village or possessing a National ID automatically qualified them to vote. However, only those who registered during the Electoral Commission’s village register compilation conducted between 6 and 10 July 2026 were eligible.
Recommendation: While the EC is commended for its voter education efforts around this particular election, special attention should be given to publicity around the compilation of the register for village elections in future.
2. Missing voters’ registers
Some polling stations reported missing or unavailable voters’ registers, preventing eligible citizens from voting.
Recommendation: Where voters’ registers were missing, tampered with or otherwise unavailable, the Electoral Commission should promptly organise polling to safeguard citizens’ right to vote and preserve confidence in the electoral process.
3. Use of vigilante groups
Some candidates relied on vigilante groups, commonly known as egaali, to mobilise supporters. In some areas, these groups intimidated voters and created an atmosphere of fear.
Recommendation: Candidates should refrain from using vigilante groups in electoral activities. Security agencies should take firm action against intimidation to ensure every voter can participate freely and without fear.
4. Lining up as a voting method
Voting by lining up continues to be a transparent system for community-level elections. Every voter can witness the outcome directly, leaving little room for disputes over counting. The system eliminates ballot stuffing, missing ballot papers, spoiled votes and lengthy tallying processes. It is also cost-effective, requiring minimal election materials while promoting openness and public confidence.
Recommendation: Whereas there have been calls to reform this method at this level, it remains well suited to village-level elections because it is simple, transparent, affordable and easily understood by local communities. Future reforms, if any, should preserve these strengths while introducing safeguards to protect voter choice and minimise the risk of intimidation.
(Photos at Wandegeya Mosque voting station).
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Crispin Kaheru
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)
