Voices of Community Activists and Leaders of Africa (VOCAL Africa), a prominent pan-African human rights organization, has formally requested accreditation from Uganda’s Electoral Commission to deploy observers for the general elections on January 15th, 2026.

In a letter addressed to the Commission on Monday, January 5th, 2026, under Section 16 of the Electoral Commission Act (Chapter 176), Executive Director Hassein Khaild positioned VOCAL Africa as a vanguard for human rights and social justice.

The group, which holds observer status with various African entities, pledges to unite and empower Ugandan communities to understand, claim their rights, and advocate for fairness at the polls.

According to Khaild, the request targets observation in high-stakes urban constituencies: Kampala, Nansana, Jinja, and Mbale. Drawing on years of election monitoring experience, VOCAL Africa commits to a team of 20 impartial officers who will strictly adhere to Ugandan laws and regulations.

“We shall maintain neutrality at all times,” he said.

Khaild underscored the organization’s role as ‘reshiners’ in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Once completed, we will release a report of our observation that will be shared with both state and non-state actors in Uganda and Africa,” he added.

This initiative arrives amid growing civil society demands for transparent elections, with VOCAL Africa expressing hope for a “free, fair, and credible” process.

The Electoral Commission has yet to respond publicly.