The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has appealed to Ugandans to ensure peace in the country to enable successful implementation of electoral activities ahead of the forthcoming general elections in 2026.

According to Byabakama, the electoral activities include registration of voters, reorganization of polling stations, and demarcation of electoral areas, among others.

“As we embark on implementing the first electrical activity, let us maintain our country in an environment of peace, harmony, and stability. Let us be cognizant that there are critical matters that the people of Uganda are engaged in that have to be accorded all due respect and decorum because they are to the benefit of their families and the nation at large,” Byabakama said.

Byabakama made the remarks during the national workshop for stakeholders on demarcation of electoral areas and re-organization of polling stations held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

“Let us not involve our country in a blanket political and electoral problematic environment. Let’s therefore avoid episodes of violence, intolerance, and all unlawful activities that hike the environment of the country at the expense of other constitutional imperative activities,” Byabakama said.

The Electoral Commission boss also urged the government stakeholders to take trouble to update the public on the importance of electoral processes, stating that the credible electoral process is largely a multi-stakeholder responsibility.

“My appeal to stakeholders present and others not here is to request you to mobilize, sensitize, inform, and update the people under your jurisdiction about the critical duties and responsibilities on their part regarding these critical election activities,” Byabakama said.

He added that all stakeholders should therefore take keen interest in the processes and be committed to ensuring an enabling environment that enhances participation at all levels.

According to Byabakama, despite the challenges the country has encountered, the commission has always had full support from all stakeholders towards achieving effective participation by Ugandans in the previous elections and by-elections.

He added that the commission, in compliance with the local government act, is set to commence demarcation of electoral areas for the purpose of the 2025 to 2026 elections.

Ugandans are set to decide their next president in 2026 through general elections organized by the Uganda Electoral Commission.