KAMPALA — The Electoral Commission’s management of the 2026 presidential campaigns has drawn mixed reactions from political actors, analysts, and security agencies.
Critics accuse the commission of presiding over an uneven playing field, while supporters insist the process was an improvement from the disputed 2021 polls.
The presidential nomination process, which marked the official start of campaigns, gave candidates a three-month head start.
However, the campaign period was marked by contrasting experiences. While some candidates traversed the country freely, others reported restrictions, a pattern analysts say mirrored challenges seen during the previous election cycle.
Kira Municipality MP-elect George Musisi criticized the Electoral Commission, accusing it of failing to guarantee fairness.
“The Electoral Commission did not provide a level ground for all candidates. Some were blocked while others moved freely, which raises serious questions about its independence and ability to manage credible elections,” Musisi said.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) defended the commission’s conduct. NRM Director of Communications Emmanuel Dombo said the electoral body performed better than in previous elections. “Compared to 2021, the Electoral Commission did a commendable job. There were improvements in coordination and candidates were given sufficient time to campaign,” Dombo said.
Under Section 12 of the Electoral Commission Act, the commission is mandated to organize and supervise elections in an orderly manner.
Critics, however, argue that security agencies played an outsized role during campaigns, undermining the commission’s authority.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke defended the deployment of officers, saying they acted within the law.
“The police were deployed to ensure law and order during campaigns. Our role was not to interfere with the electoral process but to guarantee the safety of candidates and the public,” Rusoke said.
Former Alur County MP Odonga Otto described the campaign environment as deeply flawed, claiming opposition candidates faced deliberate restrictions.
“The campaign environment was not free and fair. What we witnessed was not just administrative failure but deliberate actions that affected certain candidates,” Otto said.
Political analyst Elias Tumwebaze said the irregularities highlighted systemic weaknesses in electoral management.
“When candidates are treated differently, it erodes confidence in the electoral process and raises legitimate concerns about the integrity of the elections,” Tumwebaze said.
Following the polls, courts across the country have registered a surge in election petitions, with aggrieved candidates seeking recounts and, in some cases, annulment of results.
The Electoral Commission has previously defended its conduct, maintaining that the elections were organized in accordance with the law, even as debate over its campaign management continues.