Kampala, Uganda: The Independent Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has issued a fresh set of campaign guidelines as the 2026 general elections officially get underway, cautioning all candidates and their agents to strictly adhere to electoral laws or risk arrest, fines, and disqualification.
The race to determine Uganda’s next Members of Parliament and local council leaders began Monday in earnest, with thousands of candidates already on the campaign trail. But as competition intensifies for these high-paying and politically influential seats, the EC is reminding contestants that discipline, fairness, and legality must guide all campaign activities.
“Subject to the Constitution and this Act, the Commission may determine the manner and the period during which campaigns shall take place,” reads the EC notice, which has been gazetted and circulated to all returning officers across the country.
The Dos: How Candidates Must Conduct Themselves
The EC’s latest directive outlines clear expectations for campaign schedules, conduct, and media usage:
- Campaign Schedule: Every candidate must submit a campaign programme to the returning officer, who will ensure that no two campaign meetings overlap within the same parish.
- Time Restrictions: Campaign activities are permitted only between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and no meetings are allowed within 24 hours of polling day.
- Use of Media: All candidates must be granted reasonable access to state-owned media. They may also use private media to share their message, provided they comply with all relevant broadcasting and communications laws.
- Campaign Materials: Candidates may publish books, leaflets, posters, and pamphlets, but all materials must clearly identify the candidate(s) involved to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Don’ts: Strict Prohibitions During Campaigns
The EC has drawn a firm line against hate speech, false information, sectarianism, and bribery, warning that violators will face criminal prosecution. “No person shall use language during campaigns that incites public disorder, violence, or war; or language that is defamatory, insulting, or promotes hatred,” the Commission cautions.
Key prohibitions include:
- False or Reckless Statements: Making knowingly false or misleading claims about opponents.
- Defamatory or Abusive Content: Using insults, caricatures, ridicule, or mudslinging against other candidates.
- Sectarian Campaigning: Employing tribal, ethnic, or religious symbols, colours, or slogans as a campaign tool.
- Use of Government Resources: Utilizing government vehicles, funds, or property for campaigns without explicit legal authorization.
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money, gifts, or material incentives to influence voting outcomes — an act punishable by a fine, up to three years imprisonment, or both.
The Commission has further warned media proprietors against airing or promoting prohibited content on their platforms. “The proprietor or operator of a private electronic media shall not use the media, or allow it to be used, to commit any of the acts prohibited under these guidelines,” the EC stressed.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the Electoral Commission Act, any person who violates the campaign guidelines commits an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.
Candidates who engage in bribery, defamation, or sectarian campaigning could also face disqualification from the race.
The EC emphasized that free and fair elections require responsible leadership from candidates and civic maturity from voters. “Elections are a contest of ideas, not insults,” an EC official noted. “The Commission will not hesitate to take action against those who undermine peace and integrity during campaigns.”
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