KAMPALA, Uganda — The Electoral Commission (EC) has embarked on a week-long nationwide election exercise for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), starting with sub-county level voting for senior citizens aged 60 and above.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi says that the elections are being conducted across all sub-counties, town councils, and municipal divisions throughout Uganda. The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive political representation for historically marginalized communities.
The Special Interest Groups include older persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth. According to the EC, voting for PWD representatives is scheduled for July 16, while youth elections will be held on July 18.
“This process affirms Uganda’s constitutional mandate to ensure the participation of all citizens in governance,” says Mr. Mucunguzi, referencing Article 1 of the 1995 Constitution, which guarantees the people’s right to choose their leaders.
Only those previously elected at the parish level are eligible to vote in the current sub-county stage. Mucunguzi clarified that the voting will be conducted using the “lining up” method, where voters physically stand behind their preferred candidate, candidate’s agent, or campaign symbol—a method aimed at increasing transparency and reducing logistical costs.
The EC has urged participants to maintain order, respect electoral laws, and refrain from hate speech, incitement, or misinformation, which could undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
“These elections are meant to empower marginalized groups without fostering division. We call upon all stakeholders to uphold peace and unity,” Mucunguzi emphasizes.
The outcomes of the SIG sub-county elections will feed into electoral colleges that ultimately select representatives for Parliament from each interest group.
