Call for Applications for Accreditation as International and National Election Observers

The Electoral Commission is implementing the Roadmap for the 2025-2026 General Elections, which includes Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Council Elections.

Section 16 (1) of the Electoral Commission Act Cap 176, provides for the accreditation of representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and any other duly registered institutions or individuals to observe electoral activities.

Accordingly, for transparency purposes, the Electoral Commission will accredit international and national observers to observe the various activities undertaken during the electoral process.

The Commission, therefore, invites expressions of interest from individuals, duly registered national organisations, and institutions, who wish to observe the said processes.

Interested organisations, institutions, and individuals should submit their applications to the Office of the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, through the online application system accessible at www.ec.or.ug/accreditation in time to participate in the above activities.

Invitations to international and regional bodies/organisations, including diplomatic missions, will be channelled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Please note that political parties and organisations participating in the said elections may appoint agents to observe the electoral activities.

Applicants should provide evidence to:

  1. Prove that governance is a key aspect of their activities;
  2. Demonstrate a track record of credibility;
  3. Demonstrate neutrality in the electoral process; and, 
  4. Show the ability to submit timely written observation reports.

Organisations and institutions shall also be required to prove that their registration status with the respective regulatory authorities is up to date.

The Electoral Commission shall provide all those accredited organisations with written clearance, relevant information, and identification tags to observe the various activities of the electoral process.

Successful applicants shall be required to do the following:

  1. Abide by the Laws of the Republic of Uganda;
  2. Comply with election observer guidelines and Code of Conduct to be issued by the Electoral Commission;
  3. In the case of organisations and institutions, provide the Commission with names of the individuals to be accredited; 
  4. Meet all their operational expenses; and,
  5. Submit a report at the end of the election exercise.

Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon

CHAIRPERSON, ELECTORAL COMMISSION

Wednesday, March 19, 2025