The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has questioned the Electoral Commission (EC) over the conduct of the recent Kawempe North by-election, following widespread reports of violence and a court ruling that nullified the results.
Appearing before the committee, EC officials were asked to account for the alleged breakdown in security that marred the by-election process.
Lawmakers raised concerns over whether the election met the standards of fairness and transparency.
In their defense, EC representatives distanced the Commission from the security failures, stating that law enforcement falls under the Uganda Police Force.
“We reported the destruction of election materials to Police,” EC officials told COSASE. “At no point did we request military support during the exercise.”
The committee is now seeking clarity on the coordination between the Commission and security agencies and who ultimately bears responsibility for maintaining order during electoral activities.
The scrutiny comes amid growing public concern over the credibility of Uganda’s electoral processes—particularly in urban areas like Kawempe North, where political tensions frequently run high.
As COSASE continues its probe, both Parliament and the public await clear answers on what went wrong—and how future elections will be safeguarded against similar disruptions.
