The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has issued a stern warning to Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) accused of blocking political candidates from accessing designated campaign venues and appearing on radio talk shows.
Byabakama made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists at the EC headquarters in Kampala’s Industrial Area after a meeting with presidential candidate agents and the Uganda Police Force to assess the campaign process, which started a month ago. He described the conduct of some RDCs as “very wrong” and contrary to Uganda’s constitutional and electoral framework.
“I am told that some RDCs are blocking candidates from accessing or holding rallies at designated campaign venues, which is very wrong. I am going to take up this matter with the Minister for the Presidency because I understand she is the one in charge of the RDCs,” Byabakama said.
The EC Chairperson emphasized that all duly nominated presidential candidates have the constitutional right to freely conduct campaigns across the country. “Every candidate who was duly nominated and has indicated his campaign program and harmonized with others is at liberty to go to any part of the country and carry out campaigns at a designated venue,” he stated.
Byabakama noted that the cancellation of campaign venues without valid reasons undermines the integrity of the electoral process and creates unnecessary tension during what should be a peaceful campaign period. “If a candidate has booked a venue and it is cancelled for no reason, that needs to be addressed. We don’t want people who, under the guise of carrying out their duties, frustrate a constitutional process or create a negative atmosphere around otherwise peaceful campaigns,” he added.
He assured the public that the Commission would engage the Office of the Presidency to ensure RDCs respect the rights of candidates. “I am going to talk to the Office of the Presidency and make sure that some of the RDCs who are trying to portray the whole exercise in a negative light are called to order so that we do not have this in our country,” Justice Byabakama said.
The 2026 presidential campaigns began on September 29, following the nomination of seven candidates to contest against the incumbent, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The other contestants are Rtd Gen. Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu (National Unity Platform), Frank Bulira (Revolutionary People’s Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change), Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party), and Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party).
Byabakama’s warning follows complaints from opposition candidates who allege that RDCs and other officials have been denying them access to approved campaign venues or canceling events at the last minute. Ebwalu Jonathan, the FDC presidential candidate’s agent, cited interference with their candidate’s appearance on a radio station in Bundibugyo District.
“We booked a radio in Bundibugyo, but the RDC in his wisdom, or lack of the same, instructed the managers to stop us from accessing the station. We also booked Akibua Stadium in Lira and informed the police, but the RDC later directed the management to block our rally,” Ebwalu said. Bichwa Rodgers, the agent for ANT’s Mugisha Muntu, appealed for timely intervention by the EC over emerging challenges.
“The EC should consider poor roads when enforcing the campaign closing time since they hinder presidential candidates from reaching venues on time. In most cases, we are caught up with time,” said Bichwa. Benjamin Katana, representing NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi, raised concerns over what he called unfair enforcement of electoral laws by the Uganda Police, claiming it acts to the advantage of the incumbent.
“We have agreed on continuous engagement between the EC and Uganda Police so that when there are emerging issues, they are addressed before they escalate,” said Katana. However, NRM agent Moses Byaruhanga insisted that President Museveni’s team has adhered to all campaign guidelines.
“Candidate Yoweri Museveni has not made any illegal processions because, in many cases, he moves in a helicopter from venue to venue. For the RDCs, if that is true, then it is wrong. Why would an RDC stop a presidential candidate from holding a campaign meeting unless that person is not following the guidelines?” Byaruhanga asked.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Frank Mwesigwa, the Director of Operations, acknowledged that challenges remain regarding illegal processions and provocation of security officers by some candidates. “We are getting those concerns from the candidates of NUP and FDC, mostly on venues. These venues are agreed upon by district security committees, but when they get to the districts, they want to campaign in towns instead. We cannot allow that,” said Mwesigwa.
He said the stakeholders’ meeting resolved that candidate agents should ensure compliance with campaign guidelines and stop provoking security personnel. “If the provocation continues, the law must take its course. Even in this campaign period, the law must be followed,” he said. Justice Byabakama reaffirmed the EC’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections and urged government officials to facilitate rather than frustrate the democratic process.
SOURCE: Uganda Radio Network
