By The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned presidential candidates to stop mobilising supporters to remain at polling stations under the guise of “protecting” or “demanding” votes, saying the practice is illegal and risks disrupting the electoral process.
In a statement addressed to all presidential candidates ahead of the 2026 General Elections, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the Commission had noted with concern campaign messages urging voters to guard votes using slogans such as “Kanoonye, Kalonde, Kakuume, Kabanje.”
Latest
Police Arrest 70 in Overnight Crime Crackdown in Kampala
Mafabi Courts Kalangala Fishermen with Gear, Security and Market Pledges
Local Council Tenure Extended Again by Cabinet
Prisons Dismiss Warder Ampe Lawrence Over Social Media Posts
How TikTok Trail Led Police to Missing Six-Year-Old Kidnap Victim
Museveni Warns Against Riots, Says Security Is Prepared
Two-Year-Old Drowns In Unfinished Pool in Nakawa
Nandala Promises Tax Relief And Better Services in Bukomansimbi
Justice Byabakama said the law clearly assigns the responsibility of safeguarding a candidate’s interests to officially appointed polling agents, not ordinary voters or supporters.
Citing Sections 35(1) and 50(3) of the Presidential Elections Act, the EC chairperson noted that every candidate is entitled to deploy two polling agents at each polling station to observe voting and counting on their behalf.
“As regards the ‘kabanje’ (demand) slogan,” the statement reads, “it is not for every voter to demand for a copy of the Declaration of Results form from the presiding officer.” Under Section 53(1)(d) of the Act, copies of the Declaration of Results are handed exclusively to candidates’ agents.
Justice Byabakama warned that encouraging voters or non-voters to stay around polling stations throughout the day could lead to overcrowding, disputes, and possible violence, especially in urban areas where polling stations are often located in limited spaces.
He further cautioned that large gatherings near polling stations threaten the secrecy of the ballot and could disrupt both polling and counting processes, given the high number of candidates and agents expected at each station.
While the law allows voters who have cast their ballots to remain at least 20 metres away from a polling station, the Commission said urging supporters to stay from the opening of polling until counting ends serves no lawful purpose.
The EC advised voters to leave polling stations after voting and return at 4:00 p.m. to witness the counting, while observing the required distance.
The Commission warned candidates against inciting supporters to defy these guidelines, stressing that the absence of voters around polling stations does not compromise vote security.
“The big number of agents at any one polling station are more than sufficient to safeguard candidates’ interests,” Justice Byabakama said.
The statement comes amid heightened campaign activity and growing public debate over vote protection ahead of the 2026 polls.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
