By Nancy Atim
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general election, Civil Society Organizations, human rights defenders, and ordinary voters are raising concerns over shrinking civic space, heightened political tension, and the persistent exclusion of vulnerable groups, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Their voices paint a picture of a nation preparing for a crucial election while grappling with fear, inequality, and longstanding structural barriers.
Dr. Bireete Sarah, the Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), says Uganda’s civic space has significantly regressed. She notes that restrictions on operational freedom and funding have tightened, with even organizations formally engaged in elections lacking adequate resources to contribute to the process meaningfully.
“There is a squeeze on the environment and the funding base, which technically closes the work of civil society actors in the country,” she says.
She adds that Uganda ranked high on the Global Monitor 2024 list of countries with regressed civic space, an indication that citizens are increasingly unable to participate freely in governance through political parties, organizations, or as individuals. While youth, women, and PWDs appear represented on paper, Dr. Bireete says many, especially those outside the ruling party, struggle to access support.
“The ruling political party manages the electoral college. The majority of women’s seats are bought,” she says, emphasizing the uneven playing field for independents and opposition aspirants.
She suggests reforms such as removing the army from politics under Article 204 of the Constitution, curbing excessive use of money in elections, and creating clear legal frameworks for the use of technology.
“We need credible reforms so that we have a free and fair election,” Bireete says.
Patricia Acheng, the Executive Director of Wanacel Foundation and an aspirant for Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, shares the concern. She says as the electoral process continues, but fear among the public remains widespread. “About 60 percent of respondents recently expressed fear of political intimidation and violence,” she says.
Acheng identifies Lira City as a high-risk area due to intense competition between two powerful ministers, which has drawn national attention and heightened local tension. She adds that although many CSOs are conducting voter education, rural communities remain insufficiently informed about polling dates and procedures.
She warns that the visually impaired are especially vulnerable because political actors exploit their lack of information. “Some people are completely green about these things,” she says.
Nicholas Ogwang of Uganda Human Rights Commission – UHRC Lango Sub-region links these gaps to the absence of a national civic education policy.
“Different organizations do it in their own way. There is no centralized support,” he says, urging the government to align civic education with international human rights standards.
A study by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy identifies Lira City, Oyam, Dokolo, and Apac districts as potential hot spots for election-related violence.
From Gulu, UHRC Regional Human Rights Officer, Fionah Opoka, says multi-stakeholder forums are now working to address such risks by developing strategies to prevent violence before, during, and after elections.
She emphasizes that elections are a cornerstone of democratic governance.
The Catholic Church is also calling for calm. Representing Bishop Santus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese, Father Isaac Ojok stresses that peaceful elections are a moral responsibility. He says the Church continues to offer civic education and community engagement, urging actors to avoid incitement and promote human dignity. He calls on security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality.
Civil society actor James Acar of Lango Civil Society Network says braille voter materials have not been produced ahead of the elections, and voter education for women with disabilities is still inadequate.
Meanwhile, voters and aspirants have also raised queries about distances, discrimination, and stigma.
In Kwania, aspiring councilor Juliet Awino Amwanga says PWDs have endured years of poor representation. Many women and girls with disabilities remain unable to access basic government services. Awino recalls being mishandled due to mobility challenges and urges the Electoral Commission (EC) to reduce nomination fees and provide interpreters and braille materials.
In Lira City East Division, Aisha Bint Abdul, an amputee and aspiring councillor, says her rehabilitation journey motivated her to advocate for others. She warns that blind voters remain excluded because ballot papers and registers are not in braille. She says wealthier aspirants dominate the process because they can fund campaigns and bribe voters.
From Apac, Apio Vera says many PWDs avoid elections due to long distances, bad roads, and harsh weather conditions. She insists that blind voters need braille voting to preserve dignity.
Voter Stuart Cyprian cites discrimination, recalling how some PWDs were frustrated during nominations because officials treated them as unworthy.
Voter Emmanuel Ian says society still views PWDs as a separate group and urges government to prioritise their participation beyond voting.
“Inclusive democracy means allowing PWDs to be voted for, not just vote,” he says.
UPC Women Leader for Lira City West, Jennifer Oleko, says chaotic rallies and lack of funding discourage PWDs from participating. She calls for more mobilization, financial support, and an end to stigma.
Cultural, Government, and Security Actors Respond
Lango Cultural Institution’s 4th Deputy Prime Minister, George Ojwang Opota, says Lango’s political environment has been weakened by disunity and intolerance, fueling fear and violence. He urges collective efforts to restore peace.
The Electoral Commission (EC), Deputy Spokesperson, Paul Bukenya, acknowledges the existing challenges but says the Commission has reorganized polling stations to improve accessibility and has emphasized priority voting for PWDs.
He admits braille voting is not yet available, but says mapping of PWDs has been completed with NCPD and NUDIPU. Budget constraints remain a major obstacle.
Human rights advocate, Dr. Patricia Atim, says constitutional provisions for PWDs are still not fully enforced. She cites research in Apac showing that PWD councilors lack funds to reach voters, offer civic education, or obtain assistive devices.
She calls for operational support, reforms, and stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Gender and EC.
The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) Chief Executive Officer, Esther Kyozira, questions why political parties have not implemented manifesto commitments on inclusion. She says disability leagues exist but remain largely ceremonial, with unclear impact. Many promises, she notes, have never been put into practice.
From the Ministry of Gender, Principal Rehabilitation Officer, Agnes Nampeera, acknowledges the gaps but highlights ongoing efforts to implement inclusive laws and policies.
She calls for greater investment in accessible election materials and stronger community mobilization.
North Kyoga Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, says police have activated rapid-response systems and strengthened crime intelligence as campaigns intensify. CID offices are on standby for investigations, and community policing continues through radio and local engagements.
He further confirmed that extra manpower will be deployed across the region in December.
With 21.5 million registered voters – 11.2 million women and 10.2 million men, and over 83,000 candidates competing for more than 45,000 elective positions, Uganda faces a pivotal moment. Civil society states that the country’s history of violent elections continues to influence public fear. The recent violent disruptions during the NRM primaries in Lira, Isingiro, and Sembabule highlight the ongoing risks.
Stakeholders warn that without deliberate reforms, accessible voter education, and strong security oversight, Uganda risks repeating a cycle of intimidation, exclusion, and electoral violence.
