The Electoral Commission (EC) Boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, has once again issued strong warning against voter bribery and said the culprits will be disqualified . He called on all stakeholder including security agencies to adhere strictly to the law as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
The EC boss congratulated all candidates who have so far been successfully nominated for local government positions, but warned against flouting the commission’s guidelines. “We urge all stakeholders involved in the process to abide by the rules as we transition to the next phase of the electoral process, namely campaigns,” he said.
Byabakama also addressed growing concerns about complaints being aired on social media. “The Commission has already received a number of petitions arising out of the processes conducted so far. However, we have observed that some participants have resorted to using various media platforms to raise allegations of irregularities. We wish to emphasize that such platforms are not the appropriate channels. Any individual or entity with a complaint should submit it officially, particularly in writing to the Electoral Commission, to enable us to examine the matter and determine the appropriate course of action,” he cautioned.
He further reminded aspirants about key requirements for nomination, including the payment of non-refundable fees before nomination day and the allocation of symbols. “Symbols will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a candidate is a party flag bearer, automatically the symbol is the party symbol. For independents, they must choose from among the 20 gazetted symbols, and sign against the one allocated to them before leaving the nomination centre,” he explained.
The EC also clarified procedures on withdrawal of candidates, which must be done through a written notification signed by the candidate and witnessed by two registered voters of the electoral area. For party-sponsored candidates, withdrawal must be ratified by the party secretary general or a duly authorized official.
On campaign guidelines, Justice Byabakama reminded aspirants about convoy regulations. “A person who uses a convoy of vehicles for the purpose of nomination shall have no more than two vehicles in the convoy. Each vehicle shall bear police stickers and shall not carry more than 10 persons. This is what the law provides,” he emphasized.
To support the process, the EC has set up a complaints and queries desk at its headquarters. “The desk will provide information to members of the public and election officials, and will handle verification of aspirants or supporters on the National Voters Register,” Byabakama said. He released toll-free numbers—0800 300121 and 0800 300122—for the public to use, along with additional lines for inquiries.
Looking ahead to presidential nominations, Byabakama reminded aspirants of the legal requirements. “A presidential candidate must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old. They must also possess a minimum qualification of Advanced Level or its equivalent. Those with foreign qualifications must obtain certification from the National Council for Higher Education and UNEB, and such certificates should have been submitted two months prior to nomination,” he explained.
He also highlighted the requirement for presidential aspirants to be seconded by at least 100 registered voters from not less than eighty districts. “Due to the sizable number of signatures required, the Commission reminds all aspirants to submit their lists of supporters by September 10 to allow time for verification. This advance submission will ensure smooth nomination,” he said.
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging for peace and discipline as Uganda heads toward the crucial stage of campaigns and polling. “We should not allow elections to disrupt the prevailing peace and stability in our country, which are critical for socio-economic transformation. I thank you for listening to me. I say this for God and my country,” he said.
The EC chairman also issued a stern warning against voter bribery. “Do not use money to influence voters either to vote for you or against another candidate. It is an offence. If you win by bribery, your victory can be challenged in court and cancelled. Offenders will be prosecuted. Banange, bano bulwadde buli mu kulonda, tulina okubulwanyisa,” he warned, switching briefly into Luganda.
While addressing the media , Byabakama reminded the nation that nomination of candidates commenced on September 3 with district and city chairpersons, Lord Mayors, councillors, and representatives of special interest groups.
The second phase of nominations started on September 8 and will run until September 10. “This includes nominations for persons vying for municipality and city division chairpersons, and councillors, including special interest groups. The nomination venue is the gazetted district or city nomination centre,” he explained.
The next segment will run from September 11 to 24 for sub-county, town, and municipal division chairpersons and councillors. All nominations will be conducted at designated county centres.
Justice Byabakama stressed that the nomination of presidential candidates, which he described as “a critical milestone on the electoral roadmap,” will be held on September 23 and 24 at the EC’s proposed headquarters in Lubowa, Entebbe road. “Although in terms of infrastructure there isn’t much as yet, we felt it prudent to conduct this key milestone at the same site where the EC home will be set up. Work is ongoing to prepare the venue appropriately so that we can have very successful nominations,” he assured.
The EC boss congratulated all candidates who have so far been successfully nominated for local government positions, but warned against flouting the commission’s guidelines. “We urge all stakeholders involved in the process to abide by the rules as we transition to the next phase of the electoral process, namely campaigns,” he said.
Byabakama also addressed growing concerns about complaints being aired on social media. “The Commission has already received a number of petitions arising out of the processes conducted so far. However, we have observed that some participants have resorted to using various media platforms to raise allegations of irregularities. We wish to emphasize that such platforms are not the appropriate channels. Any individual or entity with a complaint should submit it officially, particularly in writing to the Electoral Commission, to enable us to examine the matter and determine the appropriate course of action,” he cautioned.
He further reminded aspirants about key requirements for nomination, including the payment of non-refundable fees before nomination day and the allocation of symbols. “Symbols will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a candidate is a party flag bearer, automatically the symbol is the party symbol. For independents, they must choose from among the 20 gazetted symbols, and sign against the one allocated to them before leaving the nomination centre,” he explained.
The EC also clarified procedures on withdrawal of candidates, which must be done through a written notification signed by the candidate and witnessed by two registered voters of the electoral area. For party-sponsored candidates, withdrawal must be ratified by the party secretary general or a duly authorized official.
On campaign guidelines, Justice Byabakama reminded aspirants about convoy regulations. “A person who uses a convoy of vehicles for the purpose of nomination shall have no more than two vehicles in the convoy. Each vehicle shall bear police stickers and shall not carry more than 10 persons. This is what the law provides,” he emphasized.
To support the process, the EC has set up a complaints and queries desk at its headquarters. “The desk will provide information to members of the public and election officials, and will handle verification of aspirants or supporters on the National Voters Register,” Byabakama said. He released toll-free numbers—0800 300121 and 0800 300122—for the public to use, along with additional lines for inquiries.
Looking ahead to presidential nominations, Byabakama reminded aspirants of the legal requirements. “A presidential candidate must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old. They must also possess a minimum qualification of Advanced Level or its equivalent. Those with foreign qualifications must obtain certification from the National Council for Higher Education and UNEB, and such certificates should have been submitted two months prior to nomination,” he explained.
He also highlighted the requirement for presidential aspirants to be seconded by at least 100 registered voters from not less than eighty districts. “Due to the sizable number of signatures required, the Commission reminds all aspirants to submit their lists of supporters by September 10 to allow time for verification. This advance submission will ensure smooth nomination,” he said.
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging for peace and discipline as Uganda heads toward the crucial stage of campaigns and polling. “We should not allow elections to disrupt the prevailing peace and stability in our country, which are critical for socio-economic transformation. I thank you for listening to me. I say this for God and my country,” he said.
The EC chairman also issued a stern warning against voter bribery. “Do not use money to influence voters either to vote for you or against another candidate. It is an offence. If you win by bribery, your victory can be challenged in court and cancelled. Offenders will be prosecuted. Banange, bano bulwadde buli mu kulonda, tulina okubulwanyisa,” he warned, switching briefly into Luganda.
