The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has clarified that presidential aspirants are free to conduct nationwide consultations—but only if done in line with the provisions of the Presidential Elections Act. He emphasized that these consultations are not a license for early campaigns or public disorder.
Addressing the Equal Opportunities Commission during a meeting in Kampala, Byabakama drew a sharp distinction between lawful consultation and unlawful political campaigning.
“Consultation means engaging people in a dialogue,” he explained.
“It does not mean organizing processions, causing traffic congestion, or parading convoys through towns.”
Byabakama noted that while the law allows those intending to contest for the presidency to consult the electorate on their agenda, this must be done with respect for public order, law enforcement agencies, and the communities they visit.
“It is not yet campaign season,” he cautioned, adding that premature rallies disguised as consultations can disrupt public life and create unnecessary friction with authorities.
Legal Notification, Not Permission
The EC Chairperson stressed that aspirants are not required to seek permission from the Commission to hold consultations—but they must notify the EC, Uganda Police, and relevant local authorities in advance.
Byabakama noted that while the law allows those intending to contest for the presidency to consult the electorate on their agenda, this must be done with respect for public order, law enforcement agencies, and the communities they visit.
“It is not yet campaign season,” he cautioned, adding that premature rallies disguised as consultations can disrupt public life and create unnecessary friction with authorities.
Legal Notification, Not Permission
The EC Chairperson stressed that aspirants are not required to seek permission from the Commission to hold consultations—but they must notify the EC, Uganda Police, and relevant local authorities in advance.
“The law requires notification, not permission,” Byabakama said. “No one is denied the right to consult, provided they follow the procedure.”
He revealed that several individuals and political groups had already submitted notifications in line with the guidelines and were being monitored for compliance.
He revealed that several individuals and political groups had already submitted notifications in line with the guidelines and were being monitored for compliance.
He also urged aspirants to avoid actions that might provoke confrontations with law enforcement, warning that such behavior not only undermines democratic processes but may endanger public safety.
“Some actors intentionally violate rules so that the police act, and they then use that confrontation as political capital,” he said.
“Some actors intentionally violate rules so that the police act, and they then use that confrontation as political capital,” he said.
Recounting past incidents, Byabakama recalled a dramatic moment during the 2020 election cycle when a presidential aspirant was brought barefoot to the nomination center after being intercepted for violating the consultation protocols.
“The law doesn’t say aspirants must wear suits or shoes. We nominated him regardless,” he stated.
“But that kind of drama is unnecessary and distracts from the real issues that candidates should be discussing with the people.”
The EC Chairperson reiterated that consultations are not meant to generate spectacle, but to inform aspirants and enrich their manifestos through public engagement.
Maintaining Order Ahead of 2026 Elections
With Uganda moving closer to the 2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission has been actively engaging in voter registration, verification, and sensitization across the country.
The EC Chairperson reiterated that consultations are not meant to generate spectacle, but to inform aspirants and enrich their manifestos through public engagement.
Maintaining Order Ahead of 2026 Elections
With Uganda moving closer to the 2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission has been actively engaging in voter registration, verification, and sensitization across the country.
Recently, over 70,000 new voters were registered in the Busoga subregion, and the Commission commenced the display of the national voter register.
Byabakama also urged political parties and aspiring candidates to act in good faith as the electoral calendar progresses.
Byabakama also urged political parties and aspiring candidates to act in good faith as the electoral calendar progresses.
“This is not a battlefield. It’s a democratic process. Let us observe the law and promote civility,” he appealed.
The clarification by the EC comes amid increasing political activity and public concern over the potential for early campaign chaos. The Commission has warned that any attempt to exploit the consultation window for premature electioneering will be met with appropriate legal response.
“The law provides room for dialogue and listening—not for political fanfare,” said Byabakama.
The clarification by the EC comes amid increasing political activity and public concern over the potential for early campaign chaos. The Commission has warned that any attempt to exploit the consultation window for premature electioneering will be met with appropriate legal response.
“The law provides room for dialogue and listening—not for political fanfare,” said Byabakama.
“Let us use this opportunity to prepare meaningfully and peacefully for the elections.”
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