Byabakama warns At the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Kampala, Justice Simon Byabakama spoke with the composure of a man who has weathered many election cycles.
But beneath the calm tone was a clear message to candidates, voters and political actors: Uganda is heading into a tense season, and the rules will be enforced.
During a wide-ranging briefing on the state of preparations for the 2026 general elections, the EC chairperson walked journalists through everything from ballot printing to security conduct—punctuating technical explanations with flashes of irritation at what he called misunderstandings and deliberate distortions.
Below is an edited and clarified version of the conversation, capturing the substance and tone of his remarks.
What progress has been made since the election roadmap was launched?
We have completed the demarcation of local government electoral areas and the reorganization of polling stations for the general elections. We have also undertaken the general update of the National Register, as well as compiling the Special Interest Groups Registers.
He added that the public display of the National Voters Register had been completed, alongside the election of Special Interest Groups committees “from the village to national level.” Nominations for presidential, parliamentary, and local government candidates are also done.
What is the status of ballot paper printing?
“The Electoral Commission procured reputable printing companies, both international and local, to produce the ballot papers for the 2026 general elections,” he said.
Production is underway and “progressing well.” He urged political parties to submit names of their official agents who will witness the delivery of ballot papers, whether at the airport for materials printed abroad or at EC warehouses for those printed locally.
“This measure is intended to ensure transparency and stakeholder confidence,” he said.
How do the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) work?
The BVVKs, he explained, are meant to confirm a voter’s identity on election day.
“The system uses fingerprints and facial recognition to match voter details, helping the presiding officer confirm that the voter is the one on the register of that particular polling station,” Byabakama said.
“It will ensure that only registered persons vote during the elections.” The Commission has procured 109,142 kits for nationwide deployment. You have received more than 300 petitions since nominations.
How many have been handled?
“To put it in context, over 83,597 candidates were nominated for the 45,505 elective positions,” he said. “So, these petitions are not many. The majority of nominations were concluded without incidents.”
He noted that the Commission is working daily— “even on weekends”—to handle complaints. “We don’t announce everything in the media. We communicate with the relevant parties and inform them of the decisions made.” UPC’s Jimmy Akena says he is still in the presidential race and is waiting to be declared.
What is your response?
“Well, the people in the race are those who were nominated and are campaigning,” Byabakama replied. “I think Mr Akena is aware of the reasons why he was not nominated.” He cited longstanding internal party disputes.
“Their party has internal conflicts… unresolved for years on the issue of leadership. I think he’s aware. If he says he’s in the race, that’s up to him.” You have spoken against the idea of ‘vote protectors.’
What do you mean?
“‘Vote protector’ is not a concept known in the electoral laws,” he said, his voice sharpening.
“Yes, some candidates have encouraged supporters to ‘protect their votes.’ But the law is clear about who should be at the polling station: the polling officials, candidate agents, and police constables.” He stressed that anyone arriving at a polling station identifying themselves as a ‘vote protector’ would be removed.
“If you come with a tag saying vote protector, you are alien, you are a masquerader, and you will be arrested.”
How do you assess the performance of security agencies during campaigns?
“Their role is to ensure law and order is maintained,” he said. Elections do not suspend their mandate.
But he encouraged restraint. “Let the due process of the law be followed. A person is innocent until proven guilty. Whatever the police do, they are required to act within the law.” Police recently banned processions by candidates. What is your view, given this is the campaign period? “Processions disrupt businesses and cause congestion,” he said.
While candidates often insist they do not invite crowds, he pointed to their conduct. “If a candidate is going to a designated venue, why move on top of a vehicle waving to everybody, moving at 20 kilometers per hour? Of course, you are enticing people to join you.”
He advised candidates to drive directly to campaign venues and avoid scenes that trigger police intervention. On the use of police dogs to disperse crowds, he declined to comment.
“That is an operational matter. I am not competent to speak about dogs. Ask the police.” There are claims that candidates are mobilizing schoolchildren for rallies.
What is the Commission’s position?
“Do we not have voters in schools?” Byabakama asked. “I have been to secondary schools where many students are 18 and registered voters. When they are allowed to attend a rally, I don’t see the problem. Students also deserve to know who the credible candidate is.”
Do you believe the ground is level for a free and fair election?
“Yes, of course,” he said. “Tell us—where is the ground not leveled? Is anyone being denied an opportunity to campaign?” He argued that candidates who follow the law and guidelines face no obstruction.
“But if you act in a manner that portrays you as unteachable, the law does not recognize that. You will be dealt with.”
When will the names of unopposed candidates be gazetted?
“The gazette costs about Shs 2.4 million per page,” he explained.
“So, we want to compile all names together and publish once. If I’m not mistaken, within this week, the list of those nominated unopposed should be out.” Voter turnout was low in 2021.
Will 2026 be any different?
“We are very concerned about the low turnout,” he said, adding that the responsibility does not lie solely with the EC.
“Political parties and candidates must mobilize their supporters so that all 21 million registered voters come and vote.”
