National Symposium on the Role of Security Agencies in Election: Lessons from the 2021 Elections and Opportunities for 2026 

The Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) is pleased to announce the upcoming National Symposium on the Role of Security Agencies, focusing on the Lessons from the 2021 Elections and Opportunities for 2026.
National Symposium on the Role of Security Agencies in Election: Lessons from the 2021 Elections and Opportunities for 2026

The Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) is pleased to announce the upcoming National Symposium on the Role of Security Agencies, focusing on the Lessons from the 2021 Elections and Opportunities for 2026. This Symposium is the culmination of NETPIL’s project, “Promoting Democracy, Human Rights, and Good Governance in Uganda through Enhanced Accountability by Security Agencies.” The Symposium will provide a national platform to share the project’s findings and discuss the crucial role of security agencies in Ugandan elections. The event aims to bring together stakeholders from security agencies, electoral bodies, academia, and civil society to explore how security agencies can be made more accountable to promote democracy, rule of law, and human rights. A key focus will be on strengthening civilian oversight over security agencies.

 

Context of the Symposium

 

NETPIL’s project is set against the backdrop of Uganda’s complex political and human rights history, marked by political turmoil, human rights violations, and rule of law deficits. Despite positive changes since the NRM government came to power in 1986, Uganda has faced significant challenges in upholding democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Security agencies, including the Police and Army, have played a central role in these challenges, particularly during the 2021 elections, which were marred by violence and allegations of unfair practices. This environment has hindered free expression, political participation, and assembly, as security agencies have used various laws to restrict civic activities. These developments underscore the importance of civilian oversight and accountability of security agencies.

 

Objectives of the Symposium

 

The Symposium aims to create a platform to discuss the role of security agencies in the 2021 elections and promote civilian oversight. Specific objectives include:
 
1. Ignite Debate on the need for civilian oversight of security agencies and advocate for legal, policy, and administrative reforms.
 
2. Provide a Platform for discussions among stakeholders in the security sector, elections management, academia, media, civil society, and the public on the role of security agencies in the 2021 elections.
 
3. Document Lessons lessons from the 2021 elections regarding civilian oversight of security agencies and explore how these can guide the 2026 elections.
 
4. Share Project outputs and disseminate findings from the project to the public for broader awareness and impact.
 
We hope you will join us for a day of discussions and efforts to enhance accountability and promote a democratic, rule-of-law-driven future for Uganda. For more information and to register for the event, please RSVP Felix Olindi via executiveassistant@netpil.org

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