Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has made it clear that social media trolls do not keep him awake at night.
The Electoral Commission chairperson says Ugandans can mock him, create memes about him and even insult him if they wish.
However, he insists that freedom should never come at the expense of the country’s peace and stability.
Byabakama shared his views during an appearance on Sanyuka TV, where he opened up about his relationship with social media and the criticism that often comes with leading Uganda’s electoral body.
He revealed that he hardly spends time scrolling through social media because his demanding schedule leaves him with little time to keep up with online conversations.
I am not really a social media person. I do not have the time for it, but people are free to do as they please.
Despite regularly becoming the subject of jokes and criticism online, Byabakama says he has learned to take it all in stride.
He believes public figures should expect criticism, provided it does not fuel unrest or threaten national stability.
I always tell people that if you want to make comedy out of me, go ahead. There are those who specialise in insulting me, but I do not care, as long as you do not destabilise the country. As long as you have not caused chaos in the country, you can insult Byabakama as much as you like. Make comedy out of Byabakama if you wish, but do not tamper with the country’s stability.
So, meme away. Roast him. Put him in your next comedy routine if you must. Byabakama says he can handle the jokes.
Just keep the jokes funny and leave Uganda’s stability out of the punchline.
I listen to all kinds of music, especially gospel. I don’t really follow other genres. As for social media, I’m not very active. People can make me the subject of jokes, but I don’t care as long as they don’t threaten the peace of the country.- Justice Simon Byabakama… pic.twitter.com/fIYTXESpdt
— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) July 27, 2026