The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned that it will not hesitate to sanction presidential candidates who breach campaign guidelines, noting that persistent violations threaten the credibility of the 2026 General Elections.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama issued the warning during a closed-door meeting with presidential candidates’ agents and security officials on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed the conduct of ongoing campaigns and sought to ensure compliance with electoral rules.
Justice Byabakama said the Commission has observed candidates repeatedly flouting schedules, holding rallies outside permitted hours, and creating situations that could disrupt public order.
Campaign guidelines restrict activities to between 8am and 6pm, but reports indicate some candidates have continued to campaign after dark.
“If this trend continues, the Commission will have no option but to sanction the said candidates,” he warned. He urged candidates to channel concerns through the EC rather than the media, emphasizing that the Commission has mechanisms to address complaints effectively.
The EC Chairperson also condemned recent violent incidents, including clashes in Iganga where police reportedly fired tear gas and live bullets after an NUP rally, resulting in the death of one supporter.
He noted that narratives suggesting the worst is yet to come undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Justice Byabakama updated stakeholders on preparations for the 2026 elections, highlighting the expanded use of technology.
Over 100,000 Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) have been procured, with each polling station equipped with at least two kits.
The devices will identify voters, guide them to their correct polling stations, and verify ballot papers. Training for IT officers and over 50,000 field officials is ongoing.
To ensure smooth operations, the number of voters per polling station has been capped at about 600, with Uganda set to have 50,369 polling stations in 2026.
Voters are encouraged to leave polling centres promptly after casting their ballots to avoid congestion.
Justice Byabakama said the EC will soon launch a nationwide voter sensitisation campaign on the new technologies and is finalising voter location slips to help citizens find their designated polling stations.
The meeting was attended by senior security officials led by AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, and representatives from various presidential campaigns, including NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya and NRM strategist Moses Byaruhanga.
