President Museveni is yet to appoint a new Electoral Commission to superintendent over the 2026 general elections. 

This follows the expiry of the existing Commission’s 7-year term of office. 

“What we have now is the end of term of office of the current Commission,” said EC spokesperson Paul Bukenya on Monday afternoon.

“What happens next is a matter before the appointment authority (President),” he added.

The Electoral Commission was set up under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution.

It consists of the Chairman, Deputy Chairperson and five other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and a Secretariat headed by the Secretary.

The EC members are Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, who is the chairperson; Hajjat Aisha Lubega (deputy chairperson); Peter Emorut; Justine Ahabwe Mugabi; Stephen Tashobya; Sebaggala Mustapha Kigozi; and Nathaline Etomaru.

The current Commission was appointed by President Museveni on January 7, 2017.

Its term of office expired on January 2024.

According to the Constitution, “the members of the Commission shall hold office for seven years, and their appointment may be renewed for one more term only.”

However, as of Tuesday, the EC had not received its contract renewal letter from the appointing authority.

Byabakama’s team presided over the 2021 general election and also rolled out the 2026 election roadmap.

Some material for this report was provided by Chimp Reports