Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, appointed MEP Eduard Kukan as Chief Observer.

The High Representative stated: "The Republic of Uganda is preparing for its third multi-party general elections to be held on 18 February 2016. I trust that the forthcoming elections will be transparent and peaceful and will further consolidate democracy. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Mr. Kukan, I am confident that the EU EOM will make an important contribution to this electoral process".

Upon his appointment, Mr. Kukan declared "I look forward to take on my task as Chief Observer for the EOM to Uganda. The EOM will provide an independent and impartial assessment of the elections. The EOM will closely follow all stages of the elections, including the campaign and will work in a transparent and cooperative manner with all Ugandan stakeholders".

The EOM Core Team of ten election experts will arrive in Uganda on 28 December and will stay in the country until the completion of the election process. They will be joined by 30 long-term observers on 8 January and by 54 short-term observers on 12 February who will be deployed across the country. A delegation of the European Parliament and EU diplomats resident in Uganda will reinforce the mission on election day. The EU EOM will liaise with other international observation missions who will be present in Uganda. The EOM will issue a Preliminary Statement 48 hours after election day, and a Final Report with recommendations at a later stage.

http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/151222_01_en.htm