
Johnson Mayamba
In recent elections, the integrity of Uganda’s special interest group seats, particularly those reserved for People with Disabilities (PWDs), has been compromised by an alarming trend where impostors posing as differently disabled candidates secure seats meant for individuals with legitimate disabilities.
This issue has not gone unnoticed, and the Electoral Commission (EC) has vowed to address it head-on in the 2026 polls. With reports from the national coordinator for PWDs, Musa Musinguzi, highlighting the prevalence of this deceitful practice in the last general election, the EC is stepping up efforts to ensure that only those who truly represent the PWD community can contest for these seats.
Musinguzi's concerns, voiced during a stakeholder engagement workshop, brings to the fore the seriousness of this issue. He detailed incidents where individuals fraudulently presented themselves as disabled to secure a seat in the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) constituency, such as a case in Kaberamaido District.
The nature of this deceit is particularly troubling, as some contestants resort to presenting minor and irrelevant conditions, such as swollen umbilical cords, erectile dysfunction, or slightly deformed fingers, to qualify as disabled.
These, as Musinguzi points out, are not disabilities according to the established guidelines. To further curb this trend, the EC has made it clear that such fraudulent claims will be rejected. Dr Ssali Simba Kayunga, the EC commissioner, reaffirmed this stance, emphasising that only those with disabilities as defined by the law will be allowed to register and run for these seats.
This move by the EC is an important step in ensuring that the representation of marginalised groups in Uganda’s political landscape remains authentic. Special Interest Groups, including PWDs, have long been underrepresented in political processes.
The seats reserved for these groups were meant to offer them a platform to address their unique challenges and participate in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. However, when impostors infiltrate these seats, they undermine the very essence of representation and deny genuine PWDs the opportunity to voice their concerns.
Sam Agaba, an EC programmer, emphasised that PWDs are categorised under specific disabilities, such as physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, and visual or hearing impairments. These categories help standardise who qualifies for PWD representation and ensure that the system is not exploited.
As the EC works to ensure the accuracy of the voters' register, it is also focused on improving transparency and reducing errors. This initiative is part of a broader strategic plan to bolster stakeholder participation and ensure that the 2025/2026 General Elections are conducted smoothly and equitably.
While the EC’s efforts are commendable, they must be matched by heightened vigilance and awareness within communities. Local government leaders and civil society organisations must work together to monitor the electoral process and help identify individuals who may attempt to mislead the system.
The role of voters cannot be overstated, as they must be alert and hold their candidates accountable. The Electoral Commission's efforts to clean up the process and ensure the integrity of PWD representation in Uganda’s elections are a welcome move.
However, it will require the concerted efforts of all stakeholders such as government, civil society, political parties, and voters to ensure that the spirit of inclusion is not hijacked by opportunistic individuals.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections, ensuring genuine representation for all citizens, especially vulnerable groups, should be a priority for all. Only through an honest and transparent process can true democracy flourish.
Mr Mayamba is a journalist. X: @
banziyanga [email protected]