EC Chairperson outlines election day dos and don’ts as campaigns end

13 January 2026, 12:25 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As campaigns for presidential and parliamentary candidates officially ended countrywide today, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, held a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Kampala, outlining the dos and don’ts for election day scheduled for Thursday this week.

Justice Byabakama clarified that today marks the final day of campaigns, stressing that no candidate is expected to campaign beyond 6:00 pm. However, candidates are permitted to appear on radio and television talk shows up to midnight.

He also emphasized that voters without voter location slips or national identification cards will still be allowed to vote, provided their names appear on the voters’ register.

“I want to remind voters that you are allowed to vote only once. Do not waste time going to other districts to vote after you have already voted, because your name appears at only one polling station,” Byabakama said. He added that polling agents must be seated where they can clearly observe the voting process and confirm that ballot papers are issued only to eligible voters.

Justice Byabakama further noted that bars located near polling stations must remain closed until voting is completed. He warned voters against wearing attire bearing images or symbols of candidates on polling day, urging all Ugandans to maintain peace.

He explained that elderly voters, those with visual impairments, or voters who are totally blind are allowed to vote with assistance, but each helper is permitted to assist only one voter. He clarified that a vote is valid if a tick or thumbprint is placed on the photo or symbol of a candidate, even if it falls outside the box. However, a vote becomes invalid if a voter ticks one candidate and crosses out others.

Voters were also urged to return home immediately after casting their ballots. The EC Chairperson said posters pinned at polling stations will be removed, as they are not permitted. He warned that voter bribery is punishable by law and that offenders will be dealt with accordingly.

Regarding candidates who were nominated but later disqualified, Justice Byabakama said polling assistants have been instructed to guide voters not to vote for such candidates. He assured the public that the Electoral Commission is fully prepared to conduct free and fair elections on 15 January 2026 and will be responsible for officially announcing the election results.

Voting will begin at 7:00 am and end at 4:00 pm, provided at least ten voters are present at a polling station. However, voters who are still in line by closing time will be allowed to vote.