EC schedules meeting with presidential agents and police ahead of 2026 elections

3 December 2025, 9:53 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the country prepares for the 2026/2031 general elections, the Electoral Commission has scheduled a special meeting with agents of presidential aspirants and the Uganda Police Force at its headquarters in Kampala. According to Julius Mucunguzi, the Commission’s spokesperson, the meeting is intended to review developments in the ongoing presidential campaigns and to agree on measures that will ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.

“The Electoral Commission is going to convene a meeting with agents of the eight presidential candidates and the police. A lot is expected to be discussed, including issues arising from the ongoing campaigns,” Mucunguzi said.

This follows the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama’s condemnation of a violent incident that occurred on Friday, 28 November 2025, in which one person died and several others were injured.

“The Commission condemns the violent episodes that resulted in the loss of one person and injuries to others. Such incidents do not add value to our democratic dispensation. This is unfortunate and regrettable for a campaign process that has largely remained peaceful across the country, where 83,000 candidates—from Sub-county Councillors to President—are contesting for more than 45,000 elective positions,” Byabakama stated.

Earlier this week, the Commission received another batch of Biometric Voter Verification kits at Entebbe International Airport. Justice Byabakama reaffirmed that the machines would play a key role in ensuring a credible electoral process. Acting Secretary Richard Kamugisha also emphasized their importance while presenting a supplementary budget request of Uganda Shillings 469.5 billion to support the remaining election activities.

Meanwhile, the eight presidential candidates continue traversing the country in search of support. Yesterday, NRM candidate Yoweri Museveni, while addressing residents at Kabwohe Playground in Sheema District, urged Ugandans to vote for his party to maintain peace and embrace government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model to overcome poverty.

NUP candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, campaigning in Luweero District, encouraged voters to entrust him with the mandate to deliver improved living standards. Other candidates also appealed to supporters for their votes.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 15 January 2026.