By KPC Reporter
The East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission has commended Uganda for conducting a largely peaceful and inclusive electoral process but raised concerns over internet shutdowns and technical hitches that affected transparency.
Led by Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, the 58-member delegation was deployed across Uganda following an invitation from the Electoral Commission.
The observers were drawn from EAC Partner States, the East African Legislative Assembly, national parliaments, and electoral bodies.
Their mandate was to assess the final stages of the campaign, polling, counting, and result transmission.
Speaking during the flag-off, Mukabagwiza emphasised the mission’s impartiality, stating, “We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial and objective manner.”
She added, “We are not here to interfere in the electoral process, to arbitrate political outcomes, or to pronounce on results. Our responsibility is to observe carefully, document accurately and report objectively.”
The mission noted that polling day was generally calm, with professional conduct by polling officials and security personnel.
Voter identification was transparent, and polling stations were accessible to persons with disabilities.
However, delays in opening due to late delivery of materials and malfunctioning Biometric Voter Verification Kits caused frustration among voters, with some leaving before casting their ballots.
One of the most contentious issues was the suspension of public internet access on 13 January, just two days before the election.
The Uganda Communications Commission issued the directive citing national security concerns.
The EAC Mission acknowledged the impact of the shutdown, noting that it hindered the compilation and analysis of field reports and limited public access to information.
In its recommendations, the mission urged authorities to balance security concerns with the benefits of public access to ICT services during elections.
The observers also called for enhanced voter education to reduce invalid votes, improved shelter at polling stations, and reforms to campaign financing laws to ensure a level playing field.
They further recommended that the Electoral Commission publish disaggregated data on female and youth candidates to inform public policy.
In its conclusion, the mission congratulated Ugandans for exercising their democratic rights and urged all stakeholders to uphold peace and resolve any disputes through legal channels.
“The EAC believes that elections must be inclusive, participatory, and conducted in an environment free from violence, intimidation and discrimination,” said EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva.