The Electoral Commission of Uganda is committed to ensuring that the 2026 General Elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner. In a recent communication addressed to all presidential candidates, the Commission emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the vote and maintaining order at polling stations.
The Commission’s guidelines make it clear that safeguarding the votes is the responsibility of candidates’ appointed agents, not the general public or voters themselves. This distinction is crucial to prevent any disruption and ensure the smooth conduct of the voting and counting processes.
According to the Presidential Elections Act, candidates or their agents have the right to be present at polling stations to oversee the voting process. However, the Electoral Commission has warned that the presence of non-voters or supporters near polling stations could cause chaos and compromise the integrity of the election. To mitigate this risk, voters who have cast their ballots must maintain a distance of at least 20 meters from the polling table.
This rule is intended to protect the secrecy of the ballot and ensure that no undue influence is exerted during the process. The Commission has also cautioned candidates against encouraging their supporters to remain close to polling stations under the guise of “protecting” votes, as this could lead to overcrowding and potential violence, threatening the fairness of the election.
With multiple presidential and parliamentary candidates competing, the Commission has highlighted the increased likelihood of overcrowding and disorder at polling stations. To avoid disruptions, voters are advised to leave the polling station after voting and return later to witness the counting process while maintaining the 20-meter distance.
The Commission also pointed out that the presence of appointed agents for each candidate is more than sufficient to safeguard their interests during the election. By adhering to these guidelines, the Electoral Commission believes that Uganda’s 2026 elections can be conducted with transparency, order, and fairness, upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
