By Nagita Aidah
Ugandans have been urged to end election violence ,this has been reached during the celebrations of the international human rights day at Golf course hotel in kampala under the national theme, "Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media, and Security of Persons in the 2026 General Elections,"
Mariam wangadya the chairperson of the Uganda National Human Rights Commission
highlighted UHRC's mandates (Article 52, Uganda Constitution): promoting civic awareness, monitoring government compliance with human rights treaties. "Despite pockets of incidents, the human situation in 2025 is not dire. We need vigilance, tolerance, and professionalism," she said.
Julius Muchunguzi, spokesperson of the Uganda Independent Electoral Commission, emphasized that freedoms of expression, speech, association, media, and personal security are fundamental to actualizing the right to vote and choose leaders, as enshrined in Uganda's 1995 Constitution. "The right to vote is based on informed choices. Candidates must express themselves, present agendas, and engage with people," he said, noting electoral laws outline do's and don'ts to protect rights.
While initial election stages were peaceful, challenges arise during campaigns. "Ugandans are capable of peaceful conduct... these negative incidents are preventable and should be addressed," Muchunguzi added.
George Musisi, an aspiring MP in Kira Municipality, discussed processions, stating guidelines should derive from law, specifically the Public Order Management Act, which classifies processions as public meetings requiring police notification. "The notification for campaign programs harmonized by the commission suffices, negating the need for separate daily notifications," he said.
