Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has issued a stern warning to political parties and individuals against creating unauthorized youth militias during the ongoing special interest group elections.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Byabakama noted that the elections for special interest groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs), have progressed smoothly nationwide.
However, he expressed concerns about potential disruptions as the youth committee elections approach on Thursday, June 19.
“We’ve received reports of individuals falsely claiming to be security personnel. Let me emphasize that only the Uganda Police Force is responsible for election security,” Byabakama stated.
He urged political parties to avoid forming unofficial youth groups under the pretext of providing security, warning that such actions could lead to conflicts and jeopardize the electoral process.
Byabakama also clarified that voting in the youth elections will be based solely on the voter’s place of residence, not their place of origin. “Youth must be registered in their current residential area to vote. They cannot vote from their areas of origin unless they reside there,” he explained.
The youth committee elections will elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, general secretary, and other positions as outlined in the electoral guidelines.
Byabakama expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to releasing the remaining funds needed for the 2025/26 general elections. These funds will support critical activities, including printing ballot papers and acquiring biometric voter verification equipment.
He also highlighted that part of this year’s budget was allocated to purchasing vehicles for presidential candidates.
Additionally, Byabakama confirmed that the Electoral Commission plans to acquire its own equipment for polling day, reducing reliance on borrowed resources from agencies like the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
“We will no longer depend on NIRA or UBOS for equipment. We are securing our own to ensure operational independence,” he said.
