Former Supreme Court Justice Dr. Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye has publicly challenged the Uganda Electoral Commission over the handling of the 2026 Presidential Election results, citing constitutional lapses and lack of transparency. In a statement dated January 27, 2026, Justice Kisaakye called on the Commission to provide detailed explanations regarding the declaration and publication of the election results.
The former justice pointed out that on January 17, 2026, the Electoral Commission orally announced the presidential election results. However, she emphasized that Article 61(d) of the Constitution requires the Commission to publish the results in writing under its official seal—a step that cannot be satisfied through public media announcements alone.“Announcements made solely through the media do not fulfill the constitutional mandate.
The people of Uganda must receive verifiable, officially documented election results,” Justice Kisaakye stated. She further referenced Article 1 of the Constitution, noting that sovereignty rests with the citizens and that all authority must be exercised for their benefit.In her statement, Justice Kisaakye raised pressing questions about the integrity of the elections. She asked how the Commission ensured there was no multiple voting or ballot stuffing, especially given the nationwide failure of biometric machines. She also demanded an explanation for videos circulating online showing alleged irregularities involving Electoral Commission officials, security personnel, and civilians marking multiple ballots.Justice Kisaakye questioned how the results were ascertained within 48 hours without the transmission of duly signed Declaration of Results (DR) Forms from polling stations.
She also asked how results were transmitted to the National Tallying Centre during the nationwide internet shutdown, and what verifiable audit trail exists to confirm the integrity and authenticity of those results.The former justice further demanded clarity on whether the Electoral Commission has published results from each polling station, and if so, when and where. She also called for accountability regarding the $69 million USD taxpayers’ money reportedly spent on non-functioning biometric machines, urging the Commission to take recovery actions against suppliers and responsible officials.Justice Kisaakye stressed that transparency in election administration is not discretionary but a constitutional obligation.
She argued that the burden to prove compliance with electoral laws and procedures rests with the Electoral Commission, not the candidates or voters. “Elections belong to the people, not to those who administer them,” she emphasized.The statement by Justice Kisaakye is expected to reignite public debates on electoral integrity, transparency, and accountability in Uganda. It underscores the importance of verifiable procedures in preserving the legitimacy of democratic institutions and the trust of the citizens.
