Report on Uganda's 2016 elections by Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda

7/25/2019 Report on Uganda's 2016 elections by Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda

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Citizens Election Observers Network - Uganda

UGANDA

GENERAL ELECTIONS 2016: REVISITING THE DEMOCRACY CONSTRUCT

Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda(CEON-U)


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UGANDA GENERAL ELECTIONS 2016: REVISITING THE DEMOCRACY CONSTRUCT

This report contains 14 chapters on the conduct of the 2016 general elections as observed by the CitizensElections Observers Network-Uganda (CEON-U). Election processes not only cover the presidential and

parliamentary elections, but also the period before elections, Election Day and the post-election period.The report also contains a chapter on special interest group elections and the local council elections.

CEON-U was funded by the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) and USAID through the National DemocraticInstitute (NDI). The project aimed at conducting a uniied, comprehensive, and effective domestic election

observation mission for the 2016 general elections. The goal was to promote transparency, accountabilityand integrity, increase citizen participation, and enhance the integrity of the electoral process by exposingand deterring irregularities.CEON-U was managed by a Steering Committee, which was the supreme decision making body andcomprised of 18 civil society organizations. To achieve the project goal, the Steering Committee recruited

18 staff at the coordination unit, who began operations at the Democracy House in Nsambya, on September1, 2015.The coordination unit was the technical arm of the project tasked with the day-to-day implementationof the observation mission. In order to manage the project, the coordination unit recruited and trainedobservers who were deployed in all 112 districts of Uganda.

The aim of deploying observers across the country was to provide accurate information about the electoralprocesses in real time. CEON-Us election observation project was data driven and all reports were basedon indings submitted by ield observers. The coordination unit would then put together the ield reports

and release them to various stakeholders including Government, civil society, the Police, political parties,the media and the candidates themselves.

All this would not have been possible had it not been for our partnership with DGF and NDI. I, therefore,wish to express utmost gratitude to both partners and the Steering Committee for a job well done. I alsowish to thank the 23 sub-national partners who worked tirelessly to send in information in real time.Lastly, I would like to thank the CEON-U secretariat and the ield observers for having implemented the

project successfully.

I hope that this report will provide a basis for the critical relection that will inspire a new commitment

to reinforce the things that went well in these elections, to accept the shortcomings and embrace the

recommended actions to correct them, and to prepare the ground for signiicant qualitative improvementsin future elections.

Dr Livingstone Sewanyana

Chairperson, Citizens Elections Observers Network-Uganda

FOREWORD


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This report is a publication of the Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda (CEON-U). CEON-U isa consortium of eighteen civil society organizations which agreed to conduct a uniied, Comprehensive

and effective domestic election observation mission for the 2016 general elections. The consortiumsintervention was guided by the overarching need to: promote transparency, integrity and accountabilityas well as increase citizen participation in Ugandas electoral processes. As such for the 2016 elections,CEON-U aimed at enhancing the integrity of the election process by deterring and exposing irregularities.

CEON-U is immensely indebted to our development partners, the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF)and USAID through the National Democratic Institute (NDI) without whose support the generation andpublication of this report would not have been possible. They are, however, in no way responsible for theaccuracy or content of this report.

CEON-U acknowledges the support and partnership of the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties and

most especially the candidates at presidential, parliamentary and Local Council levels. CEON-U also thanksthe local leaders particularly RDCs, district chairpersons and district returning oficers for the support

they rendered during the execution of the project.

This project would not have been a success without the enviable support of the sub-national partners,regional coordinators as well as long and short-term observers who managed the ield activities of CEON-U.

Special thanks also go to the following individuals: Ms Hellen Mealins, the DGF Head of Programmes, MrNicholas de Torrente, Mr Frank Rusa Nyakana and Ms Josephine Namusisi the Programme Staff at DGF andMr. Simon Osborne and Ms. Mercy Njoroge of NDI for the immense support and guidance that they offered

to this initiative right from inception to conclusion.

Last but not least, CEON-U extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, Chairperson CEON-Uand Ms Rita Aciro, Co-chairperson for the overall leadership of CEON-U.

Authors: Contributors:

Dr. Martin Mwondha Mr. Henry MuguziMs. Charity Kalebbo Ahimbisibwe Mr. Mohammed NdifunaMs. Claire Arinitwe Dr. Peter MwesigeMr. Crispy Kaheru Ms. Perry ArituaMs Faridah Lule Ms. Rita Aciro

Mr. Ivan Mwaka Mr. Mohles SegululigambaMr. John Mary OdoyMr Andrew Kawongo Editors:Mr. Moses Ngorok Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana

Dr. Josephine Ndagire Dr. George Lugalambi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


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ACFIM Alliance For Campaign Finance MonitoringACFODE Action for Development

ACHPR African Charter for Human and Peoples RightsACME African Center for Media ExcellenceCA Convention against CorruptionCA Constituency AssemblyCEDAW The convention for the Elimination of Discrimination against WomenCCEDU Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in UgandaCEON U Citizens Election Observers Network UgandaCP Conservative PartyCEW-IT Citizens Election Watch-IT.DP Democratic PartyEC Electoral Commission

FDC Forum for Democratic ChangeFHRI Foundation for Human Rights InitiativeFP Farmers PartyHURINET Human Rights Network UgandaHRAPF Human Rights Awareness and Promotion ForumHRNJ Human Rights Network for Journalists.ICCPR The International Covenant for Civil and Political RightsICERD International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of DiscriminationLEGCO Legislative CouncilLASPNET Legal Aid Service Providers Network

NCASSR National Coalition on Police Accountability and Security Sector ReformNCF National Consultative ForumNGO Non-Government OrganizationNRM National Resistance MovementNSIS National Security Information SystemNVR National Voters RegisterOSCE Ofice for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

PDP Peoples Development PartyPOMA Public Order Management ActPILAC Public Interest Law ClinicRRM Rapid Response Mission

SPC Special Police ConstableTDA The Democratic AllianceUDHR Universal Declaration of Human RightsUNGA United Nations General AssemblyUPC Uganda Peoples CongressUYONET Uganda Youth NetworkUWONET Uganda Womens NetworkVPN Virtual Private NetworkWDG Women Democracy GroupWDN Women Democracy NetworkWLEDE Women Leadership Development

LIST OF ACRONYMS


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FOREWORD .........................................................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................. iii

LIST OF ACRONYMS .........................................................................................................................................ivEXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................ix

Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Objectives of CEON-U ...................................................................... ..................................................................... 21.2 Achieving the goal of CEON-U .............................................................. ........................................................... 21.3 Governance of CEON-U .................................................................. ...................................................................... 31.4 Observation Methodology and Preparation ..................................................................... .......................... 71.4.1 Preparation ................................................................... ....................................................................... ..................... 81.4.2 Training Processes .............................................................. ....................................................................... ........... 81.4.3 Accreditation............................................................................................................................................................8

1.4.4 Deployment of Observers ............................................................ ....................................................................... 81.4.5 Reporting Mechanisms ................................................................. ....................................................................... 91.4.6 Thematic Studies .................................................................. ....................................................................... ........... 91.4.7 Media Engagement ............................................................. ....................................................................... ............ 91.4.8 Pre-Election Observation ....................................................................... ............................................................ 91.4.9 Election Day for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections ............................................................. 101.4.10 Post election Observation .................................................................. .......................................................... 111.4.11 Use of ICT................................................................................ ....................................................................... ......... 111.4.12 Reporting of Observations .................................................................. ............................................................ 111.5 Challenges and Lessons Learnt .................................................................. ................................................... 12

Chapter 2: Political Background to the 2016 General Elections ................................................... 132.1 Introduction ...................................................................... ....................................................................... ............. 142.2 A History of Violent Change ............................................................ ............................................................... 142.3 Poor Quality of Elections .................................................................. ............................................................... 142.4 Main Players in the Elections .................................................................... ..................................................... 142.5 The Presidential Debates ................................................................ ................................................................. 152.6 Role of Political Parties ................................................................... .................................................................. 152.7 Unstable Politics, Militarisation of Elections, and Insecurity .......................................................... 162.8 Rule of Law and Power of Incumbency ................................................................... .................................. 172.9 Demand for Electoral Reforms ............................................................. ......................................................... 172.10 State of Political Parties and Internal Democracy ................................................................... ............. 17

2.11 Conclusion ................................................................... ....................................................................... .................... 18

Chapter 3: The Legal and Administrative Framework for Elections............................................ 19

3.1 Introduction .............................................................. ....................................................................... ..................... 203.2 Legal Framework and Proposed Electoral Reforms ............................................................. ............... 213.2.1 Restoration of Presidential Terms Limits ....................................................................... .......................... 213.2.2 Independence of the Electoral Commission ................................................................ ............................ 213.2.3 Funding of the Electoral Commission ................................................................ ........................................ 223.2.4 Codifying the Duties and Powers of the Electoral Commission ...................................................... 223.2.5 Improving Voter Registration ..................................................................... ................................................... 223.2.6 Controls on Campaign Spending .............................................................. .................................................... 23

3.2.7 The Role of Security Agencies in Elections ................................................................ .............................. 233.2.8 Election Dispute Resolution ....................................................................... .................................................... 233.2.9 Administration of Elections ....................................................................... ..................................................... 243.2 Conclusion ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ................ 26

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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Chapter 4: The Pre-Election Environment ............................................................................................ 27

4.1 Introduction ................................................................. ....................................................................... .................. 284.2 The National Voter Registration Process and Updates ...................................................................... . 284.3 The NSIS Mass Enrolment Exercise ............................................................. ............................................... 284.4 Unresolved Questions about the National Voters Register ............................................................ ... 294.5 The Management of Nominations ............................................................... ................................................ 30

4.5.1 The Right to Participate in Elections ..................................................................... ..................................... 304.5.2 Nomination of Candidates ................................................................... ............................................................ 304.6 Implications of the Belated Amendment of Electoral Laws.............................................................. 324.7 Comparison of Election Nomination Fees in Africa ...................................................................... ....... 334.8 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................. ......................................... 33

Chapter 5: The Conduct of Campaigns .................................................................................................... 35

5.1 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... ............... 365.2 Findings ................................................................. ....................................................................... ........................... 365.2.1 Campaign Activities ............................................................... ....................................................................... ..... 365.2.2 Campaign Materials .............................................................. ....................................................................... ...... 375.2.3 Campaigns after 6 pm ..................................................................... .................................................................. 375.2.4 Voter Bribery ............................................................... ....................................................................... .................. 385.2.5 Public Servants on the Political Stage ..................................................................... ................................... 385.2.6 Use of Government Resources ............................................................. .......................................................... 395.2.7 Violence, Intimidation and Hate Speech .............................................................. ..................................... 395.2.8 Security Agents ................................................................... ....................................................................... .......... 395.2.9 Dispute Resolution ....................................................................... ...................................................................... 405.2.10 Provision of Voter Education and Information ..................................................................... ................. 405.2.11 Gaps in Voter Education and Information ................................................................... ............................. 415.2.12 Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................................... ......................................... 42

Chapter 6: Specialised Study1: Gender and Women Participation .............................................. 43

6.1 Background to the Specialised Studies ............................................................ .......................................... 446.2 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... ............... 446.3 Legal Framework on Women Participation and Gender Equality................................................. 456.4 Election Administration .................................................................. ................................................................. 466.5 Voter Registration ................................................................. ....................................................................... ....... 486.6 Voter Education ..................................................................... ....................................................................... ....... 486.7 Nomination of Candidates ....................................................................... ........................................................ 496.8 Campaigns .................................................................... ....................................................................... ................... 516.9 Commercialisation of Politics ............................................................. ........................................................... 526.10 Media ................................................................. ....................................................................... ................................ 526.11 Special Considerations for Women ....................................................................... ...................................... 53

6.11.1 Political Parties ................................................................ ....................................................................... ............. 536.11.2 Electoral Commission .............................................................. ....................................................................... .. 546.11.3 Voter Education ............................................................... ....................................................................... ............. 546.11.4 Access to the complaints system ............................................................... ................................................... 546.12 Polling Day ............................................................ ....................................................................... .......................... 546.13 Speciic Gender Issues for Women Candidates.................................................................. .................... 546.14 Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................... .......................................... 55

Chapter 7: Specialised Study 2: Campaign Financing and Use of State Resources .................. 57

7.1 Introduction ................................................................... ....................................................................... ................ 587.2 Scope and Methodology .................................................................. ................................................................. 58

7.3 Regulatory Framework for Campaign Financing ....................................................................... ........... 587.4 Campaign Spending ............................................................. ....................................................................... ....... 587.5 Campaign Finance Offenses ................................................................... ......................................................... 607.6 Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................. ................................................ 61


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Chapter 8: Specialised Study 3: Human Rights and Security.......................................................... 63

8.1 Introduction .................................................................. ....................................................................... ................. 648.2 Purpose of the Study............................................................................................... ........................................... 648.3 Research Design ................................................................... ....................................................................... ........ 658.3.1 Sampling ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ................... 658.3.2 Data Collection ..................................................................... ....................................................................... ......... 65

8.4 Field Findings ...................................................................... ....................................................................... .......... 658.4.1 Perception of the Role of Security Agencies ................................................................. ........................... 658.4.2 Relationship between the Police and Electoral Commission ........................................................... 668.4.3 Race for Space by Vigilantes and Militias ..................................................................... ............................ 668.4.4 Intra-Party Politics, Nominations, and Campaigns............................................................................... 678.5 Election Day............................................................ ....................................................................... ........................ 688.5.1 Partisanship on Polling Day.............................................................. .............................................................. 688.6 Post-Election Security Issues ..................................................................... .................................................... 688.7 Lessons Learnt ............................................................... ....................................................................... ............... 698.8 Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................... .......................................... 70

Chapter 9: Specialised Study 4: Media Coverage of the Elections ................................................. 719.1 Introduction ................................................................... ....................................................................... ................ 729.2 Monitoring Media Coverage ..................................................................... ...................................................... 739.3 Research Questions .............................................................. ....................................................................... ....... 739.4 Scope ................................................................... ....................................................................... .............................. 749.5 Sample and Sampling Methods ....................................................................... .............................................. 749.5.1 Print Media .................................................................. ....................................................................... ................... 749.5.2 Television .................................................................... ....................................................................... .................... 749.5.3 Radio................................................................. ....................................................................... ................................. 749.6 Methods of Data Collection ................................................................. ............................................................ 759.6.1 Content Analysis ............................................................... ....................................................................... ............ 75

9.6.2 Informant Interviews ............................................................... ....................................................................... .. 759.7 Overview of the Results ..................................................................... .............................................................. 759.7.1 Election Coverage Space and Time .................................................................... .......................................... 769.7.2 Unequal coverage by public media................................................................... ........................................... 769.7.3 Sourcing of Election Stories ..................................................................... ....................................................... 789.7.4 Topics .................................................................... ....................................................................... ............................ 789.7.5 Tone ..................................................................... ....................................................................... .............................. 799.7.6 Interrogation of Candidates Promises .................................................................. .................................... 799.7.7 Crowds and Pictures ..................................................................... ..................................................................... 799.7.8 Coverage of Elections by Radio ..................................................................... ................................................ 809.8 Shutdown of Social Media ..................................................................... .......................................................... 80

9.9 Conclusion and Recommendations ............................................................ ................................................. 809.9.1 Use of Public Media ...................................................................... ...................................................................... 809.9.2 Complaints, Veriication and Enforcement.................................................................. ............................ 80

Chapter 10: Election Day - Presidential and Parliamentary Polls ................................................ 81

10.1 Introduction ....................................................................... ....................................................................... ............ 8210.2 Election-Day Observation Process ...................................................................... ........................................ 8210.3 Election Day Observation Findings ..................................................................... ........................................ 8210.3.1 Set-up and Opening .................................................................. ....................................................................... ... 8310.3.2 Conduct of Voting and Functioning of the Biometric System .......................................................... 8410.3.3 Voter Education at Polling Stations ................................................................. ............................................ 84

10.3.4 Presence of Party Agents .............................................................. ................................................................... 8510.4 Closing and Counting...................................................................... ................................................................... 8510.5 Tabulation Process .............................................................. ....................................................................... ........ 8510.6 Conclusion and Recommendations .............................................................. ............................................... 86


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Chapter 11: Local Government Elections .............................................................................................. 87

11.1 Introduction ................................................................ ....................................................................... ................... 8811.2 Methodology .............................................................. ....................................................................... .................... 8911.3 Key Findings .............................................................. ....................................................................... ..................... 8911.3.1 Opening Time and Commencement of Voting ............................................................. ........................... 8911.3.2 Delivery and Functionality of Strategic Materials at Polling Stations .......................................... 90

11.3.3 Presence of Party Agents .................................................................... ............................................................. 9011.3.4 Voter Bribery ..................................................................... ....................................................................... ............ 9011.3.5 Transportation of Voters .................................................................... .............................................................. 9011.3.6 Intimidation, Harassment and Violence ...................................................................... .............................. 9111.3.7 Unauthorized Persons ....................................................................... ............................................................... 9111.4 Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................................. ........................................... 92

Chapter 12: Post-Election Environment ................................................................................................ 93

12.1 Introduction .................................................................. ....................................................................... ................. 9412.2 Methodology ................................................................ ....................................................................... .................. 9412.3 Summary of Findings by the Long Term Observers ................................................................ ............. 94

12.3.1 Election Related Complaints to the Electoral Commission ............................................................ ... 9412.3.2 Parliamentary and LC Aspirants Petitioning Courts for Vote Recounts ...................................... 9512.3.3 Vote Recounting .................................................................. ....................................................................... .......... 9512.3.4 High Court Petitions to Set Aside Elections .................................................................. ........................... 9512.3.5 Theft and Damage to Electoral Materials ..................................................................... ............................ 9612.3.6 Bribing of Candidates to Settle Post-Election Disputes ............................................................... ....... 9712.3.8 Candidates Inciting Violence over Election Results/Processes ...................................................... 9712.3.9 Attacks on Candidates/Supporters by Security Agents ............................................................. ........ 9712.3.10 Riots, Threatening Violence, Damage to Property, and Public Demonstrations ..................... 9712.3.11 Arrests for Post-Election Violence/Crimes .............................................................. ............................... 98

Chapter 13: Special Interest Group Elections ...................................................................................... 9913.1 Youth ............................................................. ....................................................................... ...................................10013.1.1 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... .............10013.1.2 Findings .................................................................. ....................................................................... ........................10013.1.3 Issues of Concern ...................................................................... ....................................................................... .10113.1.4 Conclusion ............................................................. ....................................................................... ........................10113.2 Workers .................................................................. ....................................................................... ........................10213.2.1 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... .............10213.2.2 Issues of Concern ...................................................................... ....................................................................... .10313.3 Persons with Disabilities .................................................................. .............................................................10313.3.1 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... .............103

13.3.2 Conclusion ............................................................. ....................................................................... ........................10413.4 UPDF ............................................................. ....................................................................... ...................................10413.4.1 Introduction .................................................................... ....................................................................... .............10413.4.2 Voting ....................................................................... ....................................................................... .......................10413.4.3 Conclusion ............................................................. ....................................................................... ........................104

Chapter 14: Recommendations ..............................................................................................................105

APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................................109

APPENDIX I: UGANDAS HOPE FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS DASHED ............................................110

APPENDIX II: Preliminary Statement on 2016 General Elections Issued February 19, 2016 .........113

APPENDIX III: CEON-U ELECTION DAY DEPLOYMENT ...................................................................................117

APPENDIX IV: CEON-U Update: Preparing for Election Day February 16, 2016 ...................................119

APPENDIX V: Infographics .................................................................... ....................................................................... .121


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Objectives of the Observation Mission

The Citizens Election Observers Network Uganda (CEON-U) aimed at enhancing the integrity of theelection process by deterring and exposing irregularities. The objectives that guided the observationmission were:

1. To regularly and objectively document and expose issues related to or affecting the integrity of theelectoral process.

2. To raise awareness and engage key stakeholders on the observations made.3. To mitigate the potential for election-related conlict.

CEON-U is a consortium of 18 civil society organizations:

1. Action for Development (ACFODE)/WDG2. African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME)3. Citizens Watch IT (CEW-IT)4. Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE)/Women in Democracy and Governance (WDG)5. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)/Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda

(CCEDU)6. Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF)7. Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ)8. Human Rights Network-Uganda (HURINET-U)9. Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET)10. National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU)

11. Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC)12. The Uganda NGO Forum (UNNGOF)/UGMP13. Transparency International-Uganda (TI-U)/Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring (ACFIM)14. Uganda Womens Network (UWONET)/WDG15. Uganda Youth Network (UYONET)16. Western Ankole Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)17. Women in Leadership and Development (WLEDE)18. Womens Democracy Network-Uganda Chapter (WDN-U)/WDG

These organisations agreed to conduct a uniied, comprehensive, and effective domestic election observation

mission for the 2016 general elections. The consortiums goal was to promote transparency, accountabilityand integrity, increase citizen participation, and enhance the integrity of the electoral process by exposingand deterring irregularities.

Overview of the Observation Mission

CEON-Us election observation was based on data and information from reports submitted by ield

observers who were deployed in all districts across the country. Their observations informed the reportsthat were used to engage with election stakeholders all throughout the electoral process.

The observation mission included monitoring the pre-election, Election Day, and post-election activities.The purpose of the 10-month pre-election observation mission was to set a comprehensive backgroundand context for Election Day observation. The Election Day observation was conducted through traditionalobservation methodologies in order to provide evidence-based reports about the days electoral processes.In addition to the general areas of the electoral process, there were some that required technical expertise

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


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for effective observation. Specialised studies on gender/women participation, campaign inancing/use of

state resources, human rights/security, and media coverage were, therefore, commissioned to give theobservation context and to facilitate a deeper understanding of issues. These studies complemented thegeneral observation indings and together provide a holistic picture of the electoral process and outcomes.

Background to the 2016 General Elections

Uganda has had eight heads of state since independence in 1962. Following the promulgation of the 1995constitution, general elections were held in 1996. Since then, elections have been organised regularlyevery ive years. While this is commendable, there are serious concerns about the quality of elections. The

credibility of the 2001, 2006, and 2011 elections was questioned.

Nationwide consultations were conducted in 2014 to gather and document citizens expectations of the2016 elections. The purpose of the consultations was to propose a new election managment system aswell as update the Citizens Manifesto which relected the citizens agenda for the 2016 elections. The

process of consultations took a root of 16 regional meetings that culminated into a National Conference onfree and fair elections. This led to the generation of a national Citizens Compact for free and fair elections

that contained concrete proposals for reforming the election management system. The Governmentand Parliament ignored the Citizens Manifesto yet it had ideas and recommendations that would havecontributed to a credible, free, and fair electoral process in 2016.

Highlights from the Observation Mission

The election context:The 18 February 2016 general elections took place against the backdrop of a tenseand unpredictable yet highly competitive political and governance context. The atmosphere preceding theelections was characterised by deep-seated mistrust of the Electoral Commission, lack of independenceand impartiality of security agencies, and weakening rule of law.

The legal framework:The elections were conducted within a legal and institutional framework that washighly contested by most political and electoral stakeholders. The Constitution and other laws provide forfundamental rights and freedoms crucial to the integrity of elections. These include freedoms of expression,association, assembly and movement.

Violence: In the pre-election period, CEON-U observed that violence related to ethnicity was the mostprevalent. Ethnic sentiments were the basis for hate speech, intimidation, and violence against candidatesin all 223 constituencies observed.

Nomination process: The nomination process was signiicantly affected by the late legislation on

nomination fees, which were hiked for presidential candidates from UGX8million to UGX20million andfor parliamentary candidates from UGX200,000 to UGX3million.There were no clear guidelines on thedocuments a prospective contestant was required to present at nomination especially for parliamentary

and local government elections.

Role of women: Women played prominent roles in the management and administration of the electoralprocess. In terms of election administration, 38 of the 111 District Registrars were women as were 65 of the118 Assistant Registrars. There are no speciic guidelines for the Electoral Commission district registrars

to ensure gender balance as they recruit sub-county and parish supervisors. However, an explicit provisionon gender balance would ensure that both women and men are given equal opportunity to participate in

the management and administration of elections.

Civic and voter education: Civic and voter education was inadequate, which partly accounted for the many

invalid ballot papers and the low voter turnout for the local council elections. To this end, civic and votereducation and information should be continued throughout the electoral cycle.


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Role of security forces: The rampant deployment of security forces during the elections may haveintimidated some voters and led to electoral choices based on fear. Deployment of uniformed and armedsecurity personnel other than the police should be minimal to allow for unfettered freedom of participationin the elections. The police were found to be partisan in many cases, which is against the law. They shouldbe neutral in their enforcement of the law.

Role of political parties: Political parties were poor at keeping records concerning their expenditureduring the electoral process. In terms of election-related spending, the NRM spent the most money oncampaigns, followed by independents, FDC, Go Forward, DP, and UPC. The Presidential Elections Act, 2005(as amended) allows the incumbent to use government facilities and enjoy beneits that are attached to

the ofice of the Head of State during elections. The law should be amended to limit the privileges of an

incumbent running for ofice in order to ensure a level playing ield.

Role of media:Some media houses were biased in their reporting. There were instances of biased reportingand failure to meaningfully inform the electorate by contextualising the issues covered. Womens voiceswere seldom included in the coverage, opposition candidates were routinely denied space and time toadvertise, and political actors especially those in government attempted to inluence coverage by the state-

owned media. There was a lack of serious interrogation of candidates promises and claims as well as ahigh level of episodic reporting rather than issue-based coverage. The government also shut down socialmedia in the lead up to and following voting day, a situation that raised questions over the transparency of

the electoral process. There is a need for stronger guarantees for and protection of the right to informationand access to all forms of media prior to, during, and after elections.

Role of special interest groups:The manner in which the special interest group elections were conductedwas not inclusive. On the other hand, the relevance of special interest groups and the value they bring toparliament are still debatable and hardly understood by many.

Voting process:Voting materials were delivered late at many polling stations in some areas consideredto be opposition strongholds, which led to delayed commencement of voting as well as frustration andsuspicion among voters. The Electoral Commission is urged to devise secure mechanisms of ensuring thatelectoral materials are delivered on time.

Elections disputes:The post-election period was characterised by numerous court petitions that are stillbeing heard and adjudicated by the courts at the time of publishing this report. The petitions have exposedthe inconsistencies inherent in the way elections were conducted, with vote recounts ordered in a fewconstituencies.

Acceptability of results:Lack of transparency in elections and transmission of results undermined the

legitimacy and acceptability of the outcomes. As such, the Electoral Commission should endeavor to givethe citizenry a chance for greater participation in counting, tallying, and tabulation of results. Observersshould be present at all levels of transmission of results with clear guidelines to follow through the process.There should also be a transparent display of the low of results at all tabulation centres.

Timing of elections:The Local Council (LC) elections faced a spillover effect of the malpractices witnessedin the presidential and parliamentary elections. To avoid this spillover effect, the LC elections should beheld before the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Outline of the Report

Chapter 1 Introduces CEON-U and lays out the objectives and implementation mechanisms of theobservation mission for the 2016 elections. It outlines the work undertaken as well as the actors, roles,methodology, and outcomes of the observation project.


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Chapter 2 Situates the general elections in the historical and political context in which they were conducted.It interrogates whether the political environment provided a level playing ield and fostered free and fair

elections. It highlights the political features that impacted the integrity of the electoral process and results.

Chapter 3Provides an overview of the legislative environment in which the 2016 elections took placeand explores the details of the legal framework and standards for the conduct of elections in Uganda. It

discusses the laws under which the 2016 general elections were conducted and which guided CEON-Usassessment.

Chapter 4 Describes the preparatory phase of the elections, including the activities, practices, andcontroversies surrounding voter registration, management of candidate nominations, handling of electorallaws, and the issue of nomination fees.

Chapter 5Describes CEON-Us observation of the pre-election period, including its efforts in conductinga long term observation mission to help improve the quality and integrity of the electoral process by

identifying the gaps and weaknesses in the electoral process.

Chapter 6Analyses the results of the specialized study on gender and women participation in the 2016general elections, focusing on the period between August 2015 and February 2016.

Chapter 7Analyses the results of the specialized study on campaign inancing, focusing on both the money

spent by candidates at the constituency level as well as the use of the national budget by the incumbentgovernment during campaigns.

Chapter 8 Analyses the results of the specialised study on human rights and security, focusing oninvestigative monitoring and observation of the conduct of security agencies in the general elections of2016.

Chapter 9Analyses the results of the specialized study on media, focusing on assessmentof the natureof media coverage of the 2016 elections and whether the coverage contributed to a free and fair election,subverted the electoral process, or promoted professionalism in election coverage.

Chapter 10 Presents the indings from observation of the Election Day processes, focusing on the

presidential and parliamentary elections, the methods used, how the elections were managed, and thechallenges encountered.

Chapter 11Looks at the local government elections, focusing on highlights and key indings from the

observation of LC5, municipal council, and LC3 polls.

Chapter 12Gives an account of the Post-Election observation exercise from 19 February to 31 March 2016,focusing on developments during this phase of the electoral cycle and their implications for the integrityof the entire electoral process.

Chapter 13Examines the conduct of the elections for representatives of the four special interest groups inparliament, namely, the youth, workers, persons with disabilities, and the military.

Chapter 14Outlines a set of recommendations in response to the many issues and concerns raised by theobservation mission issues and which require both legislative and administrative corrective measures by

different players in the electoral process.


13/134Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda (CEON-U) 1


CHAPTER 1

Introduction


14/1342 Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda (CEON-U)


1.1 Objectives of CEON-U

This chapter introduces the Citizens Election Observers Network Uganda(CEON-U). It lays out theobjectives and implementation mechanisms of the domestic election observation mission for the 2016elections. It outlines the structure, key actors and their roles, methodology, activities, outcomes of theelection observation project, challenges and lessons learnt.

CEON-U aimed at enhancing the integrity of the election process by deterring and exposing irregularities.The objectives that guided the observation mission were:

1. To regularly and objectively document and expose issues related to or affecting the integrity of theelectoral process.

2. To raise awareness and engage key stakeholders on the observations made.

3. To mitigate the potential for election related conlict.

1.2 Achieving the goal of CEON-U

CEON-U was established as a consortium of 18 civil society organizations1and 23 sub-national partners2.These organizations agreed to conduct a uniied, comprehensive, and effective domestic election observation

mission for the 2016 general elections. The need to promote transparency, integrity and accountability andto increase the participation of citizens in Ugandas electoral process guided the consortiums work.

The observation mission included observing the pre-election, election-day, and post-election activities.

The aim of the 10 month observation mission (September 2015 June 2016) included observing the pre-

election period, election-day, and post-election activities. Election-day observation employed Sample Based

Observation (SBO) method to assess the quality of Election Day processes across the country through a

nationally representative sample.

The aim of the pre-election observation phase was to enhance the integrity of the election process by

deterring and exposing irregularities. The election-day observation was conducted through short term

observers (STOs), who included sample based observers (SBOs) and Hot Spot Observers (HSOs), in order

to provide evidence-based reports about the days electoral processes. To achieve its objectives, CEON-U

identiied 23 sub-national partners across the country, who in turn recruited 23 Regional Coordinators

(RCs), 223 constituency based Long-term Observers (LTOs) and 1,026 Short Term Observers (STOs) who

were trained, equipped and deployed as required.

1Action for Development (ACFODE)/WDG, African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), Citizens Watch IT (CEW-IT), Forum for Women inDemocracy (FOWODE)/WDG, Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)/ CCEDU, Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF),Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET-U), Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET),National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU), Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC), The Uganda NGO Forum (UNNGOF) UGMP,Transparency International-Uganda (TI-U)/ACFIM, Uganda Womens Network (UWONET)/WDG, Uganda Youth Network (UYONET), WesternAnkole Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Women in Leadership and Development (WLEDE) and Womens Democracy Network-Uganda Chapter(WDN-U)/WDG

2Action for Cooperation Research in Development (ACORD), Bugisu Civil Society Network (BUCINET), Centre for Governance and EconomicDevelopment (CEGED)), Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), Community Development and Child Welfare Initiative(CODI), Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAPAD), First African Bicycle Initiative Organization (FABIO), Kalangala District NGO Forum,Kapchorwa Civil Society Organisations Alliance (KACSOA), Kick Corruption out of Kigezi (KICK), Mid-western Center for Democracy andHuman Rights (MICOD), Mid-western Region Anti-corruption Coalition (MIRAC), Mukono District NGO Forum, Nakere Women Group (NWG),Namutumba District NGO Forum Palisa Civil Society Organizations Network (PACONET), Public Affairs Center (PAC), RiamiRiam Civil SocietyNetwork (RIAMIRIAM), Rwenzori Consortium for Civic Competence (RWECO), South Western Institute for Policy and Advocacy (SOWIPA),Tororo Civil Society Network(TOCINET), Transparency International - Uganda (TI-U) and Western Ankole Civil Society Organizations Forum(WASCOF)




CEON-U trained a team of Regional Coordinators, Long-Term Observers, Sample-Based Observers, Hot SpotObservers, Tally Centre Observers, and Data center Clerks to prepare them to perform their tasks to thehighest attainable standards. The trainings covered roles of each category of observer, understanding theelectoral process, observer checklist, non-partisan observer code of conduct, reporting protocals includinguse of ICT technologies for reporting. Each CEON-U observer was accredited by the Electoral Commissionand signed a CEON-U pledge of neutrality and non-partisanship.

1.3 Governance of CEON-U

CEON-U structure comprised three levels, namely: the Steering Committee (SC) -Directors of the 18 MemberOrganizations- (Decision Makers), the Coordination Unit (Secretariat) and the 23 Sub National Partners

(SNP) (Implementers). This structure relects CEON-U decision making authority levels and channels ofcommunication.

The Steering Committee (SC),the supreme decision-making body for the project. It was responsible for allpolicy decisions and public statements and reports. The SC provided oversight on budget control and quality

assurance. It issued all public statements and observation reports. The Chairperson and Co-Chairpersonpresided over external relations and communication. Members of the SC are listed in the table below:

Steering Committee members, releasing a CEON-U report to the media on 30th November 2015 at the Human

Rights Boardroom.




CEON-U Steering Committee Directors

No Name Organization

1 Regina Bafaki Action for Development (ACFODE)/WDG

2 Dr. Peter Mwesige African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME)

3 James Mwirima Citizens Watch IT (CEW-IT)4 Patricia Munabi Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE)/WDG

5 Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana - Chairperson Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)

6 Mohammed Ndifuna Secretary Human Rights Network (HURINET)

7 Peter Wandera Transparency International-Uganda (TI-U)/ACFIM

8 Richard Ssewakiryanga Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF)/UGMP

9 Ritah Aciro Co Chairperson Uganda Womens Network (UWONET)/WDG

10 Lillian Bagala Uganda Youth Network (UYONET)

11 Perry Aritua Womens Democracy Network-Uganda Chapter (WDN-U)

12 Martin Mwesigwa National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU)

13 Jennifer B Kagugube Women Leadership Development (WLEDE)

14 Sempala Robert Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ)

15 Apollo Lee Kakonge Western Ankole Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

16 Adrian Jjuuko Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF)

17 Ms. Sylivia Namubiru Mukasa Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET)

18 Dr. Christopher Mbaziira Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC)

CEON-U Steering Committee members releasing a report to the press on election day on 18th February 2016, at

Hotel Africana.




The CEON-U Coordination Unit

No. Name Title

1. Dr. Martin Mwondha National Coordinator

2. John Mary Odoy LTO Manager

3. Ivan Mwaka STO Manager

4. Charity Kalebbo Ahimbisibwe Communication Specialist

5. Edwin Bwambale ICT Manager

6. Andrew Kawongo Lead Trainer

7. Dorothy Kiwanuka Kawumi Logistics Oficer

8. Stephen Mulaabi Procurement Oficer

9. Peruth Nakubulwa Administration

10. Kenneth Wanda Finance Oficer

11. Evelyn Kabongerwa Finance and Administration Manager

12. Moses Nyanzi Project Driver

13. Badru Walusansa Project Assistant

14. Suzan Nalukwago Project Assistant

15 Lule Faridah Project Associate

16 Deborah Namirimu Project Assistant

17. Clare Arinitwe Monitoring and Evaluation

18 Maria Kizito Finance and Administration Oficer (NDI)

The Coordination Unit(CU) comprising of 18 staff was hosted by Foundation for Human Rights Initiative(FHRI) was the technical arm of the project responsible for day-to-day implementation of the generalelection observation mission plan under the leadership and guidance of the Steering Committee. As headof the Coordination Unit, the National Coordinator facilitated the partnership between the SC and SNPs.Staff at the CU worked closely with sub-national partners (that hosted RCs, LTOs and STOs) to ensure thatthe project was implemented in a consultative and timely manner. The Coordination Unit managed theInformation and Data Centre hosted at the head ofices and prepared observation reports and statements.

Due to CEON-Us non-proit status as a coalition of civic organisations committed to strengthening

democracy in Uganda, the Regional Coordinators, Long Term Observers based in constituencies, SampleBased Observers, Hotspot Observers, District Tally Observers, and Data Centre Clerks were all volunteerpositions.

Sub-National Partners (SNPs)

In order to successfully manage the election observation activities, CEON-U divided the country into 16regions3. The 23 SNPsimplemented the activities of CEON-U at the regional level under the leadership ofthe Steering Committee with the Coordination Unit providing the day-to-day programme management andtechnical support. Each of the SNPs was responsible for designated districts as shown below:

3 Acholi, Ankole, Buganda x 5,Bugisu, Bukedi, Bunyoro, Busoga, Karamoja, Kigezi, Lango, Rwenzori, Sebei, Teso and WestNile.




CEON-U Sub-national partners districts of operation

Region Districts Partner

Acholi Agago, Pader, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya Agency for Cooperation and Research inDevelopment (ACORD)

Ankole Buhweju, Ibanda, IsingiroKiruhura, Mbarara,Mitooma, Rubirizi, Sheema

Western Ankole Civil SocietyOrganisations Forum (WACSOF)

Ankole Ntungamo South Western Institute for Policy &Advocacy (SOWIPA)

Buganda A Kampala,Kiboga Wakiso Lyantonde, Bukomansimbi,Butambala, Buvuma, Kyankwanzi, Mityana ,Mubende, Rakai, Ssembabule, Gomba, Kalungu

Citizens Coalition for ElectoralDemocracy in Uganda (CCEDU)

Buganda B Masaka, Mpigi, Lwengo Transparency International (TI)

Buganda C Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Luweero Community Development and ChildWelfare Initiatives (CODI)

Buganda D Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga Mukono NGO Forum

Buganda E Kalangala Kalangala District NGO ForumBugisu Bududa, Bulambuli, Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa Bugisu Civil Society Network (BUCINET)

Bukedi Busia, Butaleja, Tororo Tororo Civil Society Network (TOCINET)

Bukedi Pallisa, Budaka, Bukedea, Kibuku Pallisa Civil Society Network (PACONET)

Bunyoro Hoima, Kibaale, Mid-Western Region Anti-CorruptionCoalition (MIRAC)

Bunyoro Buliisa, Masindi, Kiryandongo Mid-Western Region Centre forDemocracy and Human Rights (MICOD)

Busoga Bugiri, Iganga, Luuka, Namayingo, Namutumba,

Buyende

Namutumba NGO Forum

Busoga Jinja, Kaliro, Kamuli, Mayuge First African Bicycle InitiativeOrganisation (FABIO)

Karamoja Abim, Kaabong, Kotido, Nakere Rural Womens Activists(NARWOA)

Karamoja Moroto, Nakapiripirit , Napak Karamoja NGO Forum (Riamiriam)

Kigezi Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rukungiri Kick Corruption Out of Kigezi (KICK)

Lango Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Oyam Lira,Otuke

Facilitation for Peace and Development(FAPAD)

Rwenzori Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kyegegwa, KyenjojoNtoroko, Bundibugyo Rwenzori Consortium of NGOs(RWECO)

Sebei Bukwo, Kapchorwa, Kween Kapchorwa Civil Society OrganizationsAlliance (KACSOA)

Teso Amuria, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Serere, Kumi,Ngora, Soroti, Amuria,

Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

West Nile Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Moyo, Nebbi,Yumbe, Zombo

Center for Governance and EconomicDevelopment (CEGED)

Regional Coordinators who doubled as master trainers were responsible for implementing CEON- U

activities in their respective regions with guidance from the CU. These 23 RCs were the focal point personsbetween the SNP and CU. They were responsible for recruitment, training, and deployment of the LongTerm Observers and Election Day Observers in their regions. They recruited, trained and deployed LTOsand STOs in their regions.




Long Term Observers(LTOs) (who also served as supervisors of the Sample Based Observers operatingwithin their assigned constituencies on Election Day) were deployed in 223 of the 290 constituencies,covering all 112 districts of Uganda to observe electoral processes, before, during and after elections. Inorder to serve as an LTO one had to be: resident of the Constituency of observation; educated up to aminimum of tertiary education; non-partisan (not involved in partisan politics as agent or candidate);computer literate and able to use the internet.

Hotspot Observers (HSOs) were recruited, trained and deployed in 10 constituencies, which were identiied

as hotspots4, based on CEON-U pre-election LTO data. These were constituencies with high prevalence ofhate speech and violence at rallies. The 210 HSO, of which 10 were supervisors, were deployed in additionto SBOs in these constituencies. HSOs were responsible for observing electoral processes at assignedpolling stations in the hotspots, with similar duties as those of SBOs.

Sample Based Observers (SBOs) were deployed to a random, representative sample of polling stationsnationwide on Election Day. The700 SBOs were deployed to observe the opening of polls, voting procedures,closing of polls, vote counting and results announcement, completing the observer checklist and incidentreports (where necessary) and transmitting their completed checklist to CEON-Us Information Centrebased at Hotel Africana Kampala. In order to serve as SBO, one had to be: resident of the parish hosting thepolling station to be observed; educated up to a minimum of tertiary education; non-partisan (not involvedin partisan politics as agent or candidate); in possession of a working phone; able to use a mobile phone.

District Tabulation Observerswere responsible for observing the tabulation process at district tally centersin assigned districts. Their duty was to complete the tabulation observer checklist and incident reports (ifnecessary) and to send their completed checklists to the CEON-U Information Centre.

Altogether 700 Sample Based Observers, 204 Hotspot Observers and 112 District Tabulation CentreObservers were assigned to observe the 2016 elections. The 223 Long Term Observers supervised ElectionDay observers within their constituencies. The Long Term Observers and Regional Coordinators were alsodeployed as roving observers on Election Day.

Data Clerkswere responsible for receiving and verifying Election Day data coming from E-day observers. The

60 Data Clerks who were stationed at the CEON-U data centre, Hotel Africana, Kampala underwent a one day

data management training conducted by CEON-U in preparation for effective execution of their duties.

Having outlined the main actors, in the next section we explain the origins of CEON-U, thinking processesbehind its establishment, key steps and methods used in implementing CEON-U activities the detailedmethodology, challenges and lessons learnt.

1.4 Observation Methodology and Preparation

This section explains the origins of CEON-U, thinking processes behind its establishment, key steps and

methods used and managerial processes undertaken in implementing CEON-U activities. The section outlineshow the election observation process unfolded before, during and after the elections. The methods usedincluded quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection for the 10-month observation period.

CEON-Uganda was established through a series of meetings5during which the member CSOs discussed andrelected upon the trajectory of human rights and democratic processes in Uganda. The CSOs recognized

the declining trend in respect to freedom of expression and association, increasingly restrictive civic andpolitical space, concerns about the increasing monetization of elections, as well as decline over the past

4 Rukiga County, Fortportal Municipality ,Bwamba County, Bunyole west County ,Tororo Municipality, Jinja West Municipality, Lamwo County,Kumi County, Mukono County South, Vurra constituency.

5

On the 28/03/2014, civil society organizations and development partners met and agreed to set up a frame work for election observation. Aworking group was set up to develop thematic areas for election observation. The group later made three proposals and one was chosen whichCEON-U is. On the 27th &28th October 2014 at Rico Hotel Entebbe, a second election observation workshop was held to get feedback from theworking group. A series of meetings took place from then onwards to work out modalities of how all the 18 civil society organization would workunder the umbrella of CEON-U and a memorandum of understanding was generated from these meetings. The working group also agreed thatCEON-U should be hosted at The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI).




elections, in voter turnout. These were considered to be worrying trends that required more strategic

engagement by CSOs with citizens to encourage civic agency and participation in elections, as well ascontinuous engagement with duty bearers on concerns about the status of democratic governance inUganda. The 18 CSOs agreed to conduct a uniied election observation process and thereby CEON-U was

established with both inancial and technical support from development partners, notably the Democratic

Governance Facility (DGF) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI)

1.4.1 Preparation

Executive Directors of CEON-U member organizations constituted a Steering Committee and a technical

working sub-committee, which prepared proposals, budgets and work-plans for CEON-U before 1stJuly 2015.

The SC established positions for the Coordination Unit, advertised, shortlisted and conducted interviewsfor CU staff, who started working on 1stSeptember 2015.

The SC organized an orientation workshop for Sub-national partners in August 2015.

The coordination unit (CU) organized the National Launch of CEON-U on 10thSeptember in Kampala and

thereafter Regional Launches at Mbale, Jinja, Kabale, Masaka and Lira. CEON-U was oficially launched byDr. Badru Kiggundu, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

SNPs recruited 223 LTOs in September 2015 and with support from the CU conducted Training of the LTOsto enable them execute their duties effectively.

1.4.2 Training Processes

The CU organized and executed one LTO Pre election ToT. This was an Induction Training for RegionalCoordinators. 23 Regional Coordinators (RC) were trained at Esella Country Hotel from September 28 to 292015. This training prepared the RCs to conduct the subsequent regional training for LTOs. Subsequently

223 LTOs were trained at nine regional locations across the country in October 2015.

Refresher training for all LTOs was conducted in December 2015 in order to support observers especiallywith ODK reporting. The same event also served as a preparation meeting for the recruitment of STOs.

The CU conducted a ToT for 32 Master Trainers comprising of 21 RCs and 11 Voluntary Master Trainerswere trained on E-dayprocedures and reporting through a training held at Esella Country Hotel from 5 to8 February 2016 to enable them conduct subsequent training for SBOs, HSOs and DTOs.

In order to optimally prepare for the Election Day observation, CEON-Uganda staff together with therecruited master trainers conducted Election Day training for 700 sample based observers, 204 hotspotobservers and 112 District tally center observers. Training was organized at regional level for effectiveness

- in Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Bunyoro, Rwenzori, Buganda, Jinja, Teso and Bugisu.

In support of observers in the ield on E day, 60 Data Clerks were trained and deployed at the project data

center at Hotel Africana, Kampala.

1.4.3 Accreditation

CEON-U applied for accreditation from the EC. Members and observers of CEON-U from Kampala, Wakiso,Mukono and surrounding areas were accredited by oficials from EC headquarters, through the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs. Up country observers and members were accredited by District based EC oficials across

the country.

1.4.4 Deployment of Observers

Deployment of CEON-U SNPs, RCs and observers was executed through MoUs and voluntary servicecontracts between CEON-U Chairperson and the service provider.




1.4.5 Reporting Mechanisms

Reporting observers to the CU was conducted through smart phones using the ODK platform as well asSMS and email messaging. The CU reported to stakeholders through email, press statements and periodicpublications.

1.4.6 Thematic Studies

Four (4) members of the SC namely ACME, ACFIM, HURINET and WDG undertook specialized studies on 4key thematic areas related to the integrity of the electoral processes as shown in the table below:

Organization Thematic Area

ACME Media Performance and Conduct in Elections

ACFIM Campaign Financing

HURINET The Role of Security Agencies in Elections

WDG Women Participation in Elections

Each of these members focused on their area of expertise and released their reports under the CEON-U

brand.

1.4.7 Media Engagement

CEON-U SC and staff engaged in active collaboration with both traditional and new media to raise awarenessand engage stakeholders on key indings and recommendations from the observation process. Media

engagement included Press Releases, Press Conferences, Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp and interactiveWebsite.

CEON-U organized a civil society engagement meeting at Silver Springs Hotel and a media engagementmeeting at Bugolobi Royal Suites Hotel to alert them on the strengths of using a sample based observation

method. CEON-U also held a series of meetings with various religious leaders, the Electoral Commissionand the Speaker of Parliament.

1.4.8 Pre-Election Observation

CEON-U pre-election observation was driven by data based on reports submitted by 223 constituencybased observers spread out in all districts across the country. Every week, CEON-U LTOs sent reportsbased on a ixed checklist of questions to capture vital information, which included questions about

election administration preparations, voter education, campaigns, campaign inancing, electoral violence

and security and the media. Weekly data was transmitted to a centralized database at the CU using smartphones, through the open data kit platform (ODK). Long Term Observers submitted pre-election checklistswhich provided information on the conduct of participants in the electoral process as well as possible

triggers of violence.

Additionally, the Regional Coordinators, together with Long Term Observers, completed critical incidentforms which they transmitted in real time using the ODK application to the Coordination Unit wheneverthey witnessed or became aware of election-related violence. The conditions for completing the pre-election checklist and critical incident reports were that they had to generate information which is gendersensitive and includes assessing the participation of special interest groups (the youth, elderly, and peoplewith disabilities).

This real-time information was critical to providing an accurate picture of the prevailing electoralatmosphere across the country. CEON-U observers reported on events they had personally witnessed

or heard from a credible third party. Such credible sources included media outlets or members of thecommunity. Where an event was heard from a third party, observers were required to assess whether

the source of that information was credible; they corroborated the information with a second and a thirdsource before it was reported to CEON-U.




1.4.9 Election Day for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (With 68% voter turnout)

CEON-U adopted a three pronged strategy for observing electionday processes. This included conducting asample-based observation (SBO), which involved 700 sample-based observers deployed to a systematicallyselected, representative random sample of 700 polling stations, out of 28, 010 total polling stations aroundthe country.

CEON also deployed 204 observers in hot spot constituencies namelyRukiga County, Fort PortalMunicipality, Lamwo County, Tororo Municipality, Jinja Municipality West, Vurra, Kumi County, MukonoCounty South, Bwamba County and Bunyole West County. The selection of these 10 constituencies wasbased on analysis of data from CEON-U long term observer data over 10 reporting periods betweenOctober 12and December 14 2015. From the analysis, the 10 constituencies had the high percentages ofreports of election malpractices. By deploying additional observers in these constituencies, CEON aimed atenhancing observer presence and act as deterrence for possible malpractices.

Finally, CEON also deployed observers at the 112 district Tallying Centres to observe and report on theresults tabulation process at the district level.

All the SBO, Hot Spot and Tabulation observers were trained on anelection day observation checklist andcritical incident form and reported their observation indings to the CEON database through coded text

messages throughout election day.

CEON-U Sample-Based Observation

CEON adoptedthesample-based observation method, which is an advanced, proven election observationtechnique used by non-partisan citizen election monitoring groups to present an accurate and

comprehensive assessment of the Election Day process. This method has been used successfully for morethan 25 years in over 50 countries. In the Africa, SBO has been conducted in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi,Ghana, Cote dIvoire and Burkina Faso.

Sample-based observation relies on proven statistical methods. It enables the observers, who are deployedto pre-selected polling stations, to comprehensively assess important aspects of the Election Day, such aswhether election oficials are following proper procedures, the presence and behavior of party agents,

the secrecy of the vote, and transparency of the counting process. Itworks by observing, at a random, arepresentative sample of polling stations. Information collected from the sampled polling stations issuficient to gain a comprehensive picture of activities on Election Day.

The indings from sample-based observation are considered representative of the entire country because

the data is derived from a randomly selected sample of polling stations. For example, if the observers ind

that 25% of the polling stations it observed opened late, they can conidently conclude (within a smallmargin of error) that 25% of all polling stations across the country opened late.CEON-Us sample based observation employed a nationally representative random sample of 700 pollingstations drawn from the oficial list of polling stations supplied to CEON-U by the Electoral commission of

Uganda. The sample contained polling stations in all 290 constituencies in the 112 districts.The 700 polling stations were selected by irst stratifying the list of polling stations by constituencies and

districts and then selecting polling stations at random from within each strata (using the interval technique).

Tables 1 show how the distribution of the Sample as compared with the distribution of all polling stationsand registered voters. It is noteworthy from the table that the percentage of sampled polling station and

registered voters at those stations per region and district closely matches the percentage of all pollingstations and all registered voters per region and district. For example, 4.3% of all polling stations are inAcholi region and 4.3% of the CEON SBO Observers in the National Sample are in Acholi region.




Table 1: Distribution of CEON-U SBO Sample by Region

The below table compares the distribution of all polling stations across political regions to that of CEON-Us random sample of polling stations.

RegionNo. of all Polling

Stations

% of all Polling

Stations

No. of Polling

Stations in Sample

% of Sampled

Polling Stations

ACHOLI 1209 4.3% 30 4.3%

ACHOLI 1209 4.3% 30 4.3%

BUNYORO 1528 5.5% 38 5.4%

CENTRAL 8002 28.6% 201 28.7%

EASTERN 7170 25.6% 179 25.6%

KARAMOJA 635 2.3% 16 2.3%

NORTHERN 1546 5.5% 39 5.6%

RWENZORI 2192 7.8% 55 7.9%

WEST NILE 1860 6.6% 46 6.6%WESTERN 3868 13.8% 96 13.7%

TOTAL 28010 100% 700 100%

Critical factors behind the CEON-U highly successful SBO included the following:

Final list of polling stations from Electoral Commission from which the sample was drawn;

A well-trained nationwide network of observers;

Each observer was deployed to a speciic polling stationthey were assigned;

Observers were well-trained and equipped to submit accurate reports; and Reports were rapidly collected from every single observer (100% of observers) to a central data

centre.

Failing to collect a report, even from one observer would have undermined the success of this

observation.

1.4.10 Post election Observation

The post-election period began soon after the presidential and parliamentary elections from 19thFebruary2016 to 31stMarch 2016. During this period, the 223 LTOs continued to operate within their constituencies,

using a new checklist speciically designed for post-election observation and sending data to the CU usingthe ODK platform, just like in the pre-election period. They used the checklist to track post-election issuessuch as complaints iled at the EC, court petitions, vote recounts, damage to electoral materials, election

disputes, violence, role of security agents, riots, arrests and media performance.

1.4.11 Use of ICT

Essential ICT and ofice hardware, software, and supplies were either procured or leased to cater for the

information and data centre. This was in addition to equipment already acquired by CEON-U partners

such as CCEDU, CEW-IT, and ACFIM during their participation in previous observation work. For instance,CCEDUs existing short code (6162) was used as a data reception platform.

1.4.12 Reporting of Observations

Observers reported the information generated during Pre-Election and Post-election periods with the aidof Open Data Ki

Report on Uganda's 2016 elections by Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda

Documents

Transcript of Report on Uganda's 2016 elections by Citizens Election Observers Network-Uganda