EAC flags off Election Observation Mission to Uganda ahead of 2026 General Elections
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 13th January, 2026: The East African Community (EAC) has today officially launched and flagged off its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the General Elections in the Republic of Uganda scheduled to take place on 15th January, 2026.
The deployment of the Mission follows an invitation by the Government of the Republic of Uganda and is in line with a directive of the EAC Council of Ministers requiring the EAC Secretariat to observe elections in all Partner States.
The EAC Election Observation Mission to Uganda comprises a delegation of sixty-one (61) observers, drawn from the EAC Partner States and the EAC Secretariat. This diverse team reflects the Community’s commitment to inclusivity, regional representation and gender balance.
The Head of Mission, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, brings to this role a wealth of experience in public service, diplomacy and regional affairs. Ambassador Mukabagwiza has served in high-level leadership positions, including as Speaker of the Parliament and as Minister in various portfolios, where she championed governance reforms, democratic consolidation and women’s empowerment in both national and regional arenas. Her leadership, integrity and deep understanding of governance processes will provide strategic guidance and credibility to the Mission.
“We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial and objective manner, in accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EAC Election Observation Principles, the laws of the Republic of Uganda and applicable AU and international standards,” she said during the flag-off ceremony.
Ambassador Mukabagwiza reiterated that “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 brings together Members of the East African Legislative Assembly, representatives of Electoral Management Bodies, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organizations, and officials from the EAC Secretariat. This broad composition reflects the Community’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and participatory governance.
The EAC observers will be deployed across selected regions of the Republic of Uganda and will engage with key electoral stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Uganda, political parties and candidates, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies, and other relevant institutions. The Mission will observe and assess the pre-election environment, the final stages of the campaign, polling and voting processes, counting and tabulation of results, as well as the transmission and announcement of results.
Following the conclusion of the elections, the Mission will issue a Preliminary Statement outlining its initial observations and findings. Thereafter, a comprehensive Final Report will be prepared and submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers, the Government of the Republic of Uganda, and other relevant stakeholders. The report will include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes and enhancing democratic governance within the East African Community.
On her part, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, noted that the Mission will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the elections, followed by a comprehensive final report.
She further added that as Head of Mission, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza will serve as the chief spokesperson of the Mission and will coordinate engagements with national stakeholders and fellow observer groups.
“The EAC believes that elections must be inclusive, participatory, and conducted in an environment free from violence, intimidation and discrimination,” she said.
The Deputy Head of the Election Observation Mission, Hon. Maina Karobia, who is also a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), reiterated the Mission’s mandate.
“These reports will present our findings and offer recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes within the region,” he said.
On his end, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political sectors affirmed that this initiative is guided by the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, particularly Articles 3 and 6(d), which underscore adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights.
The deployment of this Mission reaffirms the EAC’s firm commitment to the promotion of credible, transparent, peaceful, and inclusive electoral processes across the region.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
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http://www.eac.int
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The Federal Republic of Somalia was admitted into the EAC bloc by the Summit of EAC Heads of State on 24th November, 2023 and became a full member on 4th March, 2024.
Tags: EOM-UG