The Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Anita Among has vetted the presidential nominees to the Electoral Commission and all have been successful.
They are; Justice Simon Byabakama (Chairperson), Hajjati Aisha Lubega (Deputy Chairperson), James Peter Emorut, Stephen Tashobya, Anthony Okello, Dr. Simba Ssali and Caroline Bainamaryo.
The new appointees are; Makerere University’s Political Science and Public Administration lecturer, Dr Sallie Simba Kayunga, former Kyoga County MP Anthony Okello, the commission’s Acting Head of Administration Ms Pamela Etonu .
However, in an unexpected twist, the highly anticipated appointment of Hon. Kasule Sebunya as one of the new Electoral Commission (EC)commissioners has taken a surprising turn in the 11th hour.
The final list, vetted by parliament shockingly excluded Sebunya, sparking speculations about the reasons behind the abrupt omission.
Hon Nkunyinji Muwada, the Kyadondo East MP,on his X/Twitter handle, attributes the move to increased public pressure to uphold the independence of the electoral body since majority of the nominees were from the ruling NRM.
Last week president Museveni reappointed Justice Simon Byamukama as chairperson, effectively putting him in charge of the 2026 polls.
Article 60 of the Constitution dictates a seven-year term for Electoral Commission commissioners, renewable once. However, Clause 4 of the same article specifies that the president must renew the mandate of an incumbent commissioner three months before the end of their term.
With preparations underway for the 2026 general election, the Commission is actively working on implementing its electoral roadmap.
