KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Ugandan presidency has dismissed as “fake news” reports circulating on social media that President Yoweri Museveni has appointed a new head of the Electoral Commission.
In a statement released on Thursday, 2 January 2025, Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant for Press and Mobilization, urged the public to disregard the reports.
Related posts
“The general public is called upon to regard as fake news the social media story indicating that H.E @KagutaMuseveni has appointed Hon. Justice Yorokamu Bamwine to head the Electoral Commission,” Mr. Kirunda said.
The reports had claimed that Hon. Justice Yorokamu Bamwine would lead the commission, with Hon. Syda Bbumba as deputy.
The presidency’s denial comes amid speculation about potential changes to the Electoral Commission, which oversees Uganda’s elections.
The current chairperson of the Electoral Commission is Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, who has served in the position since January 2017. Prior to his appointment, Justice Byabakama served in the Directorate of Public Prosecution for 27 years and later in the Judiciary for over 8 years.
Hajjat Aisha Lubega has been serving as the Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission since January 2017. She is a teacher by profession and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Makerere University. Hajjat Lubega has extensive experience in education administration, having served as the Head Teacher of Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School before joining the Electoral Commission.
The commission’s leadership has been the subject of controversy in the past, with opposition groups accusing the government of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.
The Ugandan government has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that the Electoral Commission operates independently.
The presidency’s statement did not provide further information on any potential changes to the Electoral Commission’s leadership.
