The Electoral Commission (EC) in Ntungamo District has begun harmonising campaign schedules for 27 parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Campaigns are set to officially start on November 10 and conclude on January 13, 2026.
Elizabeth Namirembe, the District Election Administrator, said the harmonisation meetings are key to maintaining order, preventing clashes, and ensuring coordination between candidates and security agencies.
“Campaigns are beginning next month on 10th November and they will stop on 13th January,” Namirembe explained.
“We stop on 13th January because we normally have 48 hours to prepare for polling, which will take place on 15th January 2026 for parliamentary candidates.”
The meetings also allow candidates to plan their campaign routes and schedules to avoid confrontations.
“We conduct harmonisation meetings so that candidates don’t clash. It’s about order — knowing which candidate is where and on which day, and allowing security to be aware,” Namirembe said.
However, some candidates skipped the exercise despite being invited via phone and SMS. Those who attended were given priority to select campaign venues and dates.
Namirembe said the remaining candidates would have to fit into the remaining schedule.
Moses Kahima, the NRM flag bearer for Ruhaama East County, praised the Commission’s efforts.
“We have been given programs for our campaigns. Unfortunately, my opponent has not turned up. I have drawn my own program and left space for him. The security and peace of our people depend on us. If we harmonise, security will only observe our movements,” he said.
Some candidates raised concerns about the recent splitting of polling stations, but Namirembe clarified that the move was to improve voting efficiency and prevent biometric voter machines from being overwhelmed.
“Each polling station will now have fewer than 600 voters to ease the voting process,” she said.
Campaigns will run daily from 7am to 6pm, in line with EC guidelines. Ntungamo District currently has 812 polling stations and 301,466 registered voters expected to participate in the upcoming elections.
