Politics 23 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Election Challenged at East African Court Over Flawed Process
The Uganda Law Society and East African Law Society have filed a case at the East African Court of Justice, accusing Uganda's Electoral Commission and Attorney General of violating democratic standards in the January presidential polls. They seek to invalidate the results ahead of President Museveni's scheduled swearing-in. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/electoral-commission-s-conduct-of-january-polls-challenged-at-regional-court--5400350
A legal challenge against Uganda’s January 15 presidential election has been lodged at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha by the Uganda Law Society and the East African Law Society.
The petitioners claim that state agencies, including the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General, undermined the electoral process through various irregularities. These include the unilateral appointment of commissioners, unreformed electoral laws, and problems with the voters’ register that disenfranchised eligible voters.
Additional allegations involve last-minute regulatory changes without stakeholder input, denial of observer accreditations, political bias against opposition figures, and violence by security forces that created an unsafe environment for political participation.
The filing argues these actions not only harmed Ugandan citizens but also affected residents from other East African Community states with interests in Uganda. On January 17, Electoral Commission chair Simon Byabakama announced Yoweri Museveni as winner with 71.65% of votes, while Bobi Wine secured 24.72%.
The societies demand court declarations that the election breached laws and the EAC Treaty, invalidating results. They also seek a public apology, accountability from the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and support for victims including medical and legal aid.
This regional case follows the Supreme Court’s confirmation of Museveni’s victory after opposition candidate Robert Kasibante withdrew his petition due to resource constraints. Museveni is set to be sworn in for another term in May.
Neither the Attorney General nor the Electoral Commission had commented by press time.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)