Agather Atuhaire. Photo/Courtesy
Activist and lawyer Agather Atuhaire has raised concerns over Uganda’s electoral process, reflecting on the legacy of former Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Eng. Badru Kiggundu and warning that the situation has worsened under current leadership.
In a post on X, Atuhaire described Kiggundu as “a symbol of everything sham,” recalling how Ugandans would use his image in memes and jokes whenever election results—or even school and football contests—sparked controversy.
She highlighted Kiggundu’s 2016 admission that he did not want to nominate President Museveni’s main challenger, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and that he could allow the military to intervene in Besigye’s campaigns.
This, she said, fueled public skepticism over the declared results that year.
Despite hopes for change with Justice Byabakama’s appointment in November 2016, Atuhaire argued that many feared a deterioration.
She pointed to Byabakama’s role in Besigye’s controversial case as prosecutor, raising questions about impartiality.
Looking back at the 2021 elections, Atuhaire quoted a senior citizen saying, “At least with Kiggundu there was even an election. It will be by the grace of God to have one this time.”
She noted that with the disqualification of numerous opposition candidates, military interference in civilian affairs, and arrests of opposition supporters, Uganda’s democratic space has shrunk considerably.
Atuhaire warned that many Ugandans, despite Kiggundu’s flaws, may now “miss him,” echoing former opposition leader Norbert Mao’s observation that “his absence will be felt more than his presence.”
She argued that the current crisis reflects a deeper erosion of electoral credibility, human rights, and the independence of state institutions.
The activist’s remarks come as Uganda faces heightened scrutiny over electoral fairness and the treatment of opposition voices ahead of future polls.