EAC Deploys Observers to Monitor Uganda Elections, Led by Edda Mukabagwiza

Kigali/Kampala, January 13, 2026 - Rwandan lawyer and diplomat Edda Mukabagwiza has been appointed to lead the East African Community (EAC) observer mission for Uganda’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. On January 13, the EAC deployed 61 observers from across its member states to monitor the electoral process. The team includes members of the EAC Assembly, national electoral commissions, foreign affairs ministries, human rights commissions, civil society organizations, and the EAC Secretariat. Mukabagwiza, whose extensive experience includes serving as Deputy Speaker of the Rwandan Parliament, Minister of Justice, ambassador to multiple countries, and a practicing lawyer, emphasized the mission’s independence and impartiality. “We are not here to interfere in the electoral process, approve political outcomes, or announce results,” Mukabagwiza said. “Our mission is to observe objectively, collect accurate information, and report impartially.” Observers will be stationed across Uganda, engaging with the Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates, civil society, media, security agencies, and other stakeholders to monitor the elections comprehensively. Following the polls, the EAC team is expected to issue an interim report on the conduct of the elections, followed by a final report submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers, the Ugandan government, and other stakeholders. The reports will include recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes and ensure transparency and fairness.

Faits rapportés

Kigali/Kampala, January 13, 2026 - Rwandan lawyer and diplomat Edda Mukabagwiza has been appointed to lead the East African Community (EAC) observer mission for Uganda’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. On January 13, the EAC deployed 61 observers from across its member states to monitor the electoral process. The team includes members of the EAC Assembly, national electoral commissions, foreign affairs ministries, human rights commissions, civil society organizations, and the EAC Secretariat. Mukabagwiza, whose extensive experience includes serving as Deputy Speaker of the Rwandan Parliament, Minister of Justice, ambassador to multiple countries, and a practicing lawyer, emphasized the mission’s independence and impartiality. “We are not here to interfere in the electoral process, approve political outcomes, or announce results,” Mukabagwiza said. “Our mission is to observe objectively, collect accurate information, and report impartially.” Observers will be stationed across Uganda, engaging with the Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates, civil society, media, security agencies, and other stakeholders to monitor the elections comprehensively. Following the polls, the EAC team is expected to issue an interim report on the conduct of the elections, followed by a final report submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers, the Ugandan government, and other stakeholders. The reports will include recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes and ensure transparency and fairness.