In February 2016, Ugandans will go to the polls for the country’s third elections since the advent of multi-party politics in 2005. The 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections will also mark 30 years of leadership by President Yoweri Museveni and the dominance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). While the past 28 years have brought peace and stability to the country and improved the well-being of many Ugandans, underlying political and socioeconomic challenges threaten those positive gains. These challenges include the need to address corruption, economic prospects for a burgeoning youth population, and increasing instability in the region.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is currently working with the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda and other electoral stakeholders to support increased citizen participation in the country’s electoral process. This assistance includes supporting the development of online and SMS-based portals that allow citizens to verify their registration status ahead of the election, as well as the development of civic and voter education messaging around this effort. IFES also successfully assisted the EC with similar activities leading up to the 2011 national elections.