In a strategic move to enhance electoral service delivery in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region, the Electoral Commission (EC) has inaugurated its new regional offices and a secure storage facility in Arua City.
The facility is set to serve 12 districts in addition to Arua City, decentralising election management and improving access to voter services.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama officiated the launch, highlighting the facility’s dual role as both an administrative hub and a secure store for electoral materials. “This new regional office will not only serve as an administrative centre but also as a secure store for electoral materials, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and credibility in election management,” Justice Byabakama said.
Amid preparations for upcoming electoral activities, Justice Byabakama called on political actors and the public to uphold peace and national unity. “We are all stakeholders in this country. We must not allow anyone to disrupt the peace we have worked hard to build. As the Electoral Commission, we pledge to work diligently to ensure that our activities promote peace, security, and unity among Ugandans,” he emphasized.
The launch ceremony drew a wide cross-section of attendees, including local leaders, Members of Parliament from the West Nile sub-region, civil society representatives, and political party officials. Their speeches highlighted strong support for the Commission’s efforts to decentralise operations and bring services closer to the people.
Arua City Mayor Sam Nyakua welcomed the development, noting that it would ease logistical challenges that have historically affected election coordination in the region. Resident City Commissioner Komakech Salim also praised the initiative, describing it as a significant investment in electoral integrity and public confidence.
The new offices are expected to streamline election preparations, safeguard electoral materials, and improve overall service delivery across the sub-region. By bringing services closer to the people, the Electoral Commission aims to boost civic participation and ensure more orderly, transparent, and credible elections in the future.
