As the region counts down to a critical political moment, concern is mounting among civil society actors about developments unfolding beyond Kenya’s borders.
With only days to go before a major national exercise, questions are being raised about the environment in which citizens are expected to make an important democratic choice, even as official assurances of preparedness continue to be issued.
On January 13, 2026, human rights activists Nicholas Oyoo, Bob Njagi and Deus Kanyesigye addressed the press at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices in Nairobi.
Where they expressed deep concern over the state of Uganda’s general elections scheduled for January 15.
The trio warned that the prevailing conditions could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
The activists claimed that the elections have been heavily militarised, alleging that members of the military have been deployed across the country in ways that go beyond maintaining peace and order.
According to them, opposition candidates have reportedly been blocked from accessing campaign venues, while others have allegedly been arrested under unclear circumstances.
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They further accused the military of making political statements, actions they said contravene Uganda’s electoral and constitutional laws that require security agencies to remain neutral.
Oyoo, Njagi and Kanyesigye also raised alarm over what they described as the systematic shrinking of civic space ahead of the polls.
They alleged that the Ugandan state has declined to accredit both local and international election observers, as well as activists seeking to witness and document the electoral process.
This, they warned, limits transparency and accountability at a time when public trust in institutions is crucial.
“The refusal to accredit observers raises serious red flags about the openness of the process,” the activists said, noting that independent observation is a cornerstone of credible elections worldwide.
They urged regional bodies, including the East African Community and the African Union, to pay close attention to the situation.
The activists called on Ugandan authorities to respect the rule of law, demilitarise the electoral environment, and guarantee the safety and rights of all candidates, voters, and observers.
As Uganda heads to the polls, they warned that how the election is conducted will have far-reaching implications not only for the country but for democratic norms across the region.
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