Electoral Commission Appoints Richard Baabo Kamugisha as Substantive Secretary
Mr Kamugisha has been serving in an acting capacity since late 2024, following the departure of the former Secretary. His confirmation brings continuity and stability to the Commission’s technical and administrative arm at a critical time as preparations intensify for upcoming electoral activities.
The Electoral Commission has appointed Mr Richard Baabo Kamugisha as its new substantive Secretary, effective March 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s administrative leadership.
Mr Kamugisha has been serving in an acting capacity since late 2024, following the departure of the former Secretary. His confirmation brings continuity and stability to the Commission’s technical and administrative arm at a critical time as preparations intensify for upcoming electoral activities.
Key Mandate and Responsibilities
As Secretary to the Commission, Mr Kamugisha assumes the roles of Accounting Officer and Head of the Technical Wing (Management) of the Commission. In this capacity, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the institution, ensure prudent financial management, and coordinate the implementation of policies and decisions made by the Commission.
The position places him at the center of electoral planning, logistics, staffing, procurement, and stakeholder coordination — all crucial elements in delivering credible and transparent elections.
Nearly Three Decades of Electoral Experience
A seasoned and distinguished election management expert, Mr Kamugisha has served the Commission since 1999. Over the years, he has risen steadily through the ranks, demonstrating extensive institutional knowledge and operational expertise.
He began his career as a District Registrar and District Returning Officer, where he supervised electoral processes at the grassroots level. He later served as Head of the Field Operations Department, coordinating nationwide electoral activities, before being appointed Director of Operations — a role that placed him in charge of managing complex election logistics across the country.
His long service within the Commission positions him as one of the most experienced technical officers in Uganda’s electoral management system.
Legal Framework Governing the Office
According to the Electoral Commission Act, the Secretary holds office for a term of five years, renewable once. The appointment therefore sets Mr Kamugisha on a defined tenure that allows for institutional continuity while maintaining accountability under the law.
Strengthening Institutional Continuity
Mr Kamugisha’s confirmation is widely viewed as reinforcing institutional memory and operational consistency within the Commission. Having overseen field operations and technical management for years, his leadership is expected to enhance efficiency, coordination, and preparedness in the Commission’s activities.
As the Commission continues to execute its constitutional mandate of organizing and conducting regular, free, and fair elections, the appointment signals confidence in experienced internal leadership to steer the institution forward.
His tenure now formally begins with the responsibility of guiding the Commission’s technical operations over the next five years, in line with the country’s electoral calendar and statutory obligations.
