Apac, Uganda: The Apac District Returning Officer, Mr Joseph Omona, has issued a stern warning to all candidates contesting in the upcoming local elections, urging them to conduct peaceful campaigns, respect electoral laws, and avoid any misuse of government resources.
Mr Omona delivered the warning on Friday, while addressing parliamentary and local council candidates at a candidates’ meeting held at the Electoral Commission offices in Apac. The meeting served as a crucial platform to brief aspirants on the rules governing the campaign period and the need for lawfulness, civility, and transparency.
“We remind all candidates that campaigns officially begin on 10th November 2025. Any campaign activity before that date is illegal and punishable under electoral laws,” Mr Omona stated. He further cautioned candidates against defacing opponents’ posters, using abusive language, spreading defamatory messages, engaging in voter bribery, or intimidating voters in any form.
Electoral authorities emphasized that violations of campaign regulations, including early campaigning, misuse of government property, or acts of violence, will attract strict penalties, ranging from prosecution to disqualification. Voters are urged to remain vigilant and report any irregularities to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
The returning officer also highlighted the legal restrictions on using government property. “Section 43 of the Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act is explicit: candidates are prohibited from using government vehicles, equipment, or any other state-owned property during the election period. We will have daily monitoring to ensure full compliance,” Mr Omona warned.
The warning comes as Apac prepares for highly competitive races across the district. In Apac Municipality, three candidates were cleared to contest: Hon. Patrick Ocan (Independent with a symbol of a borehole), the incumbent MP and proprietor of Radio Divine; Hon. Maxwell Akora (UPC), the outgoing MP for Maruzi County who has shifted base and Mr Isaac Odongo Nekyon (NRM), cousin to the late veteran politician Akbar Adoko Nekyon.
In Maruzi County, the contest will feature Hon. Peter Obong Acuda (UPC), Speaker of Apac District Council and Councillor for Akokoro Sub-County, against Mr Moses Opeto (NRM).
For the District Woman MP seat, the race will see a rematch between Hon. Betty Engola (NRM), the incumbent, and Ms Achola Susan Engola (UPC), a contest that has already stirred strong local interest.
As the campaign period approaches, the message from the Apac Electoral Commission is clear: integrity, lawfulness, and civility must guide all electoral activities. The coming weeks will test not only the candidates’ political strength but also their commitment to the principles of democratic governance.
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