Uganda’s electoral body, the Electoral Commission, has officially confirmed the appointment of Richard Baabo Kamugisha as its new Secretary, marking an important transition in the leadership of the institution responsible for managing the country’s elections.
The announcement revealed that Kamugisha’s appointment formally took effect on March 4, 2026. With this confirmation, he now assumes full responsibility for overseeing the administrative and technical operations of the commission, placing him at the centre of Uganda’s electoral management system.
Before receiving the substantive appointment, Kamugisha had already been serving in the same position on an acting basis. He stepped into the role following the departure of Leonard Mulekwah, who left the commission in late 2024 after allegations of graft emerged.
His confirmation brings stability to the commission’s leadership after months of operating under an interim arrangement. As Secretary, Kamugisha will also serve as the accounting officer and the head of the commission’s technical and management wing, a role that carries significant administrative responsibility.
The Electoral Commission praised Kamugisha as a highly experienced election management professional with decades of service within the institution. According to the commission, his career there dates back to 1999, giving him more than two decades of hands-on involvement in Uganda’s electoral processes.
During his long tenure, Kamugisha steadily climbed through several key positions. He previously served as a District Registrar and District Returning Officer before advancing to become Head of the Field Operations Department and later Director of Operations, roles that gave him extensive experience coordinating elections across the country.
Under the provisions of the Electoral Commission Act, Kamugisha will serve a five-year term as Secretary, with the possibility of renewal once. His term places him in a critical position to guide preparations for the next general elections expected in 2031.
Despite the appointment, sections of Uganda’s opposition have repeatedly raised concerns about how members and senior officials of the Electoral Commission are selected. Critics argue that the process lacks sufficient independence, although the commission maintains that it follows the legal framework governing such appointments.
