Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abubaker Jeje Odongo, has issued a blunt warning to individuals he accuses of planning to manipulate the forthcoming 2026 General Election, telling them to “write their wills in advance” before engaging in electoral malpractice.
Addressing journalists at his home in Orungo, Amuria District, on Thursday, Odongo said the next election would be a defining moment for the country, cautioning that any attempts to undermine the democratic process would not be tolerated.
“The 2026 election is not an ordinary election. People who think they can steal votes or subvert the will of the people should first write their wills,” Odongo said, in remarks that immediately drew public attention due to their stark tone.
The veteran politician, who is also seeking to retain his Orungo County parliamentary seat on an independent ticket, urged voters to be vigilant and intentional about the leaders they elect, particularly Members of Parliament. According to Odongo, the next Parliament will play a critical role in shaping Uganda’s political future, including steering what he described as a transitional phase in governance.
“You must be very careful about the kind of leaders you send to Parliament. This Parliament will not be like the others. It will have the responsibility of guiding a transition and safeguarding national stability,” he said.
Odongo, a long-serving legislator and former minister of defence, emphasized the need for peace, discipline, and respect for the rule of law throughout the electoral process. He called on security agencies, the Electoral Commission, and political actors to uphold their respective mandates and ensure a free and fair election.
His decision to contest as an independent candidate comes amid shifting political alignments ahead of the 2026 polls, with several senior politicians opting to run outside traditional party structures.
The minister’s remarks are likely to fuel debate as campaigning gradually intensifies.
Uganda will hold presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections in January 2026.
