As campaigns for parliamentary and local government candidates officially begin today, the Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned candidates against using divisive or inflammatory language.
In a statement, EC said such language may sow hatred or divide people on sectarian grounds of tribe, ethnicity, region, or religion, leading to conflict.
This and others are among a set of strict guidelines aimed at ensuring peaceful, lawful and fair campaigns across the country. Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on January 15, 2026.
The EC urged candidates, agents, and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, warning that any acts of bribery, hate speech or violence will be met with the full force of the law.
The commission reminded candidates that campaign activities must be conducted strictly between 7am and 6pm. “All candidates are required to observe time limits to avoid disrupting public order,” the EC said.
The commission warned that voter bribery remains a serious offence, emphasising that both the giver and the receiver of bribes would face punishment.
“Candidates, their agents and supporters must desist from involvement in voter bribery, both the giver and ‘eater’ of bribes are culpable and can be subjected to fines or imprisonment or both on conviction,” the EC said.
The EC noted that campaign messages should promote unity and respect among Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation or background.
With the growing use of online platforms for political mobilisation, the EC urged candidates and their teams to act responsibly when using social media.
“Do not use social media to spread lies, propaganda, misinformation, disinformation or fake news,” the statement read.
The ocmmission said such acts not only mislead the public but also risk inflaming tensions during an already charged political season.
The EC banned campaign activities in certain public spaces, saying they disrupt essential services.
“Do not conduct campaigns on or in public roads, markets, schools or hospitals to avoid disrupting normal business,” the commission stated.
The commission emphasised mutual respect among political actors and their supporters, urging voters not to view politics as a source of enmity.
“Elections are not a do or die affair,” the EC said.
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