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Electoral Commission commits to holding an inclusive election

18 July 2025, 8:58 pm

Grace Getrude and Tendo Arnest Chris, both interpreters, share a moment at the Uganda Electoral Commission head office in Kampala.

By Byamukama Alozious

The Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda has announced that sign language interpreters will be provided at all public gatherings to ensure inclusivity in the upcoming general elections. This initiative aims to bridge the communication gap between the government and citizens with hearing impairments.

Getrude Grace, a sign language interpreter with the Electoral Commission, stressed the importance of inclusion, stating: “People with special needs are often left out when it comes to information from the government, especially during critical times such as elections. All Ugandan citizens have the right to fully participate in the electoral process.” She added that “if they miss something, interpretation can help them understand.” However, she acknowledged the limited number of professional interpreters available.

Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, highlighted the commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity throughout the electoral process. “One of the key challenges we’ve been addressing is how to better support and serve persons with disabilities,” he said. “This roadmap ensures that every public gathering and engagement includes sign language interpreters because we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind due to any form of disability.”

The Commission noted that implementing this initiative presents several challenges, particularly the need for resources to train more interpreters. Mucunguzi also mentioned that members of the visually impaired community are now calling for Braille ballots—an important but costly undertaking.

Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson for the Uganda Electoral Commission.

According to the 2014 Uganda National Housing and Population Census, there were over 1,083,649 Deaf people in Uganda. This number had increased to approximately 1,290,000 by the time of the 2022 national population figures. However, the Uganda National Association of the Deaf has raised concerns about significant discrepancies in the statistics relating to the country’s Deaf population.

As Uganda prepares for the 2026–2031 general elections, most political parties are making internal arrangements, conducting primary elections, mobilising resources, and seeking public support—efforts that underscore the need for greater inclusion.