The Chairperson of Uganda’s Electoral Commission has issued a stern warning against political violence as the country prepares for crucial 2026 general elections. Justice Simon Byabakama, the Commission’s chairperson, declared that bloodshed has no place in democratic processes, calling on all political actors to respect peaceful electoral competition.

Speaking during a meeting with the Equal Opportunities Commission, Byabakama delivered a passionate plea for violence-free elections. “Our elections should not be soaked in the blood of Ugandans,” he stated emphatically. “What kind of democracy thrives on violence and intimidation?” The electoral boss stressed that true political strength should be demonstrated through ballots rather than brute force.

Byabakama dismissed any notion that electoral violence occurs spontaneously, pointing directly to human agency behind such incidents. “It’s not our chickens or goats that perpetrate violence. It is we, the people,” he remarked, urging citizens to take personal responsibility for maintaining peace. His comments come against a backdrop of past elections marred by clashes between security forces, opposition supporters, and ruling party loyalists.

While emphasizing the Electoral Commission’s commitment to free and fair elections, Byabakama clarified that maintaining law and order falls outside the Commission’s mandate. “We don’t enforce the law,” he explained, noting that the Commission relies on police and other security agencies to deal with electoral offenses. He revealed ongoing coordination with police leadership to ensure perpetrators of violence face legal consequences.

The electoral chief outlined various illegal practices that undermine democratic processes, including voter intimidation, physical assaults, and use of divisive language. “All these are against the law,” he stated, calling on citizens to report such violations. His remarks highlighted growing concerns about the potential for increased tensions as political competition intensifies in the run-up to 2026 polls.

Byabakama particularly emphasized the need for political tolerance during campaign periods. He urged supporters of different candidates to allow rivals space to conduct their activities without interference. This appeal follows past incidents where opposing political groups have clashed violently during campaign rallies, sometimes resulting in fatalities.

The Commission chair didn’t shy away from criticizing politicians who deliberately flout electoral rules. He recalled how some candidates during the 2020 elections violated COVID-19 health protocols during nominations, only to blame the Commission when police intervened. “Some people insist on doing things their way,” he observed. “Then when law enforcement steps in, they claim victimhood.”

Byabakama’s warning comes at a critical juncture for Uganda’s democracy, with opposition groups frequently accusing security forces of disproportionate actions against their supporters. The electoral body faces the daunting task of preparing for elections that will test the nation’s democratic institutions amid heightened political tensions.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency, Byabakama stressed that protecting electoral integrity requires collective effort. “The rule of law must prevail,” he insisted, calling on all stakeholders including political parties, security agencies, civil society and ordinary citizens to play their part in ensuring peaceful polls.

The 2026 elections will mark another milestone in Uganda’s political journey, coming nearly a decade after the controversial removal of presidential age limits that allowed long-serving President Yoweri Museveni to extend his rule. With memories of previous violent elections still fresh, Byabakama’s message serves as both a warning and appeal for national reflection.

As political temperatures begin to rise ahead of the elections, observers will be watching closely to see whether the Electoral Commission’s calls for peaceful engagement will be heeded. The coming months will test Uganda’s political maturity and the ability of its institutions to deliver credible elections without the bloodshed that has marred previous electoral cycles.

For ordinary Ugandans hoping for peaceful transition of power or continuation of leadership through democratic means, Byabakama’s words offer both reassurance and a challenge. The success of the 2026 elections may well depend on whether all political actors take his warning seriously and commit to putting Uganda’s democratic future above short-term political gains.

The Electoral Commission’s ability to maintain its independence and enforce regulations fairly will be crucial in the coming period. As the nation prepares for another major electoral test, the international community and local stakeholders alike will be monitoring whether Uganda can break from its history of violent elections and demonstrate that African democracies can resolve political competition through peaceful means.

What remains clear is that the road to 2026 will require careful navigation, with the Electoral Commission’s leadership facing perhaps its most challenging test yet in steering the country toward credible, peaceful elections that reflect the true will of the Ugandan people.