In a move outlined in Article 60(1) of the 1995 constitution, President Museveni has reaffirmed Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama as the Chairman of Uganda’s electoral commission.
The president, in a statement issued on January 5, also named Hajjat Aisha Lubega as the deputy chairperson and appointed other members, including Stephen Tashobya, Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, Anthony Okello, Pamela Etonu Okuti, and Robert Kasule Sebunya.
Justice Byabakama, who assumed the role in November 2016 for a seven-year term succeeding Hajji Badru Kiggundu, will continue to lead the commission, responsible for organizing, conducting, and supervising elections, as outlined in the constitution.
Prior to his tenure at the Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama served as a resident judge in Lira, Masindi, and Soroti districts, later earning a promotion to the Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court in October 2015.
Despite his experience, Justice Byabakama faced criticism during the 2021 election from various opposition figures who accused him of exhibiting double standards in overseeing and declaring election results.
The newly appointed members, including the deputy chairperson, will undergo vetting by the Parliament’s Appointments Committee, led by Hon. Anita Among, before confirmation into office.