President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reappointed justice Simon Byabakama as chairperson of Electoral Commission that puts him in charge of the 2026 general election.
Hajjati Aisha Lubega has retained her position as deputy chairperson while Mr Stephen Tashobya bounces back as a member.
The appointees will be vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Among, before they are confirmed into office
Makerere Political Science and Public Administration lecturer Dr. Ssimba Ssali Kayunga is among three new names nominated by President Museveni to serve on the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2026 general election.
Also nominated is former Kyoga County MP Hon. Anthony Okello, the commission’s Acting Head of Administration Ms. Pamela Etonu Okudi and former Nansana MP Mr. Robert Kasule Sebunya.
The commissioners’ tenure ended on January 7, putting all policy-related activities on hold.
Article 60 of the Constitution, which established the EC, grants commissioners a seven-year term that can be renewed once.
Clause 4 of the Article specifically requires the president, as the appointing authority, to renew the mandate of an incumbent EC commissioner three months before the end of their current term. Legally, Justice Byabakama and his colleagues are no longer eligible for reappointment.
The Constitution requires commissioners to organise, conduct, and supervise elections and referendums. In addition, the Commission is in the process of implementing its electoral roadmap for the 2026 general election.
