The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon has opened a national stakeholders’ workshop to kickstart the elections of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees.
In his keynote address, Justice Byabakama highlighted the constitutional foundation of the SIGs elections, underscoring the importance of affirmative action enshrined in Article 32 of the 1995 Constitution.
“It is this provision that forms the basis for conducting elections for leaders for Special Interest Groups,” he noted, referring to the representation of youth, older persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and workers, among others,” he said.
With the nomination of candidates concluded on June 10th, the Commission has now entered what the Chairperson described as “a critical stage” in the implementation of the electoral roadmap.
“The elections of SIGs Committees from Village to National Level… started with the nomination of candidates, which commenced on Monday, 2nd June, 2025 and concluded yesterday,” he stated.
The elections are aimed at constituting SIGs Committees across all administrative levels from parishes to districts and forming the electoral colleges that will later elect representatives to both Local Government Councils and Parliament.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that these committees serve not only an electoral purpose but also play an advisory and advocacy role.
“The SIGs Committees are also responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the implementation of policies and programmes… and liaise with the Government on the needs, challenges, and other issues affecting Youth, PWDs, and Older Persons,” he said.
Byabakama praised the progress made so far on the electoral roadmap. Among key milestones achieved since July 2024 are the demarcation of electoral areas, re-organisation of polling stations, identification of PWDs on the Voters Register and recruitment of over 13,000 temporary election officials.
“Stakeholder engagement, including voter education, has been continuous to achieve mass awareness and hence an informed and supportive stakeholder base,” he added.
Byabakama called on stakeholders to uphold peace, transparency, and inclusiveness throughout the election process.
“A credible, peaceful, free and fair electoral process is the responsibility of not only the Commission, but all stakeholders involved. Upholding the values of transparency, tolerance, respect for diverse political views, and respect of human rights will strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes and foster public confidence,” he said.
He appealed for enthusiastic participation and civic responsibility. “We call upon you… to mobilize people within your circles of influence to fully participate in these processes,” Justice Byabakama urged. “As the Commission, we commit to delivering these elections with transparency, professionalism, and impartiality.”
The SIGs elections represent the first phase of the 2025/2026 General Elections, and their success, the EC says, will lay the foundation for the credibility and inclusiveness of the broader national electoral process.
