EASF Flags Off Election Observer Mission to Uganda Ahead of 2026 polls

Nairobi, January 9, 2026 - The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) on Friday officially flagged off its Election Observer Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Uganda ahead of the country’s 2026 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance and electoral transparency in the region. 

The flag-off ceremony took place at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi, and was presided over by EASF Director Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema.

During the event, the EASF Head of Administration and Finance and Deputy Head of the Election Observer Mission, Mr. Souef Kamalidini, formally handed over the mission plan to Brig Gen (Rtd) Njema. Kamalidini also received the EASF flag on behalf of the Head of the Election Observer Mission, marking the official deployment of the observers. 

In his remarks, Brig Gen (Rtd) Njema emphasized EASF’s role in promoting democracy, stability, and peaceful electoral processes within Eastern Africa. He said the mission would conduct a comprehensive assessment of Uganda’s electoral process in line with national laws and international election standards. 

“The observers will monitor the campaign environment, participation of women, youth and civil society, election administration, voting-day procedures, and the counting and tabulation of ballots,” Njema said, adding that a credible electoral process is critical to regional stability.

Mr. Kamalidini expressed confidence in the readiness of the observer team and urged members to uphold professionalism, impartiality, and integrity throughout the mission. 

A total of 19 election observers drawn from EASF member states, together with support staff, will be deployed across Uganda to observe the 2026 elections.