The Electoral Commission (EC) Boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, has once again issued strong warning against voter bribery and said the culprits will be disqualified . He called on all stakeholder including security agencies to adhere strictly to the law as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC boss congratulated all candidates who have so far been successfully nominated for local government positions, but warned against flouting the commission\u2019s guidelines. \u201cWe urge all stakeholders involved in the process to abide by the rules as we transition to the next phase of the electoral process, namely campaigns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Byabakama also addressed growing concerns about complaints being aired on social media. \u201cThe Commission has already received a number of petitions arising out of the processes conducted so far. However, we have observed that some participants have resorted to using various media platforms to raise allegations of irregularities. We wish to emphasize that such platforms are not the appropriate channels. Any individual or entity with a complaint should submit it officially, particularly in writing to the Electoral Commission, to enable us to examine the matter and determine the appropriate course of action,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further reminded aspirants about key requirements for nomination, including the payment of non-refundable fees before nomination day and the allocation of symbols. \u201cSymbols will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a candidate is a party flag bearer, automatically the symbol is the party symbol. For independents, they must choose from among the 20 gazetted symbols, and sign against the one allocated to them before leaving the nomination centre,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC also clarified procedures on withdrawal of candidates, which must be done through a written notification signed by the candidate and witnessed by two registered voters of the electoral area. For party-sponsored candidates, withdrawal must be ratified by the party secretary general or a duly authorized official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On campaign guidelines, Justice Byabakama reminded aspirants about convoy regulations. \u201cA person who uses a convoy of vehicles for the purpose of nomination shall have no more than two vehicles in the convoy. Each vehicle shall bear police stickers and shall not carry more than 10 persons. This is what the law provides,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To support the process, the EC has set up a complaints and queries desk at its headquarters. \u201cThe desk will provide information to members of the public and election officials, and will handle verification of aspirants or supporters on the National Voters Register,\u201d Byabakama said. He released toll-free numbers\u20140800 300121 and 0800 300122\u2014for the public to use, along with additional lines for inquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead to presidential nominations, Byabakama reminded aspirants of the legal requirements. \u201cA presidential candidate must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old. They must also possess a minimum qualification of Advanced Level or its equivalent. Those with foreign qualifications must obtain certification from the National Council for Higher Education and UNEB, and such certificates should have been submitted two months prior to nomination,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted the requirement for presidential aspirants to be seconded by at least 100 registered voters from not less than eighty districts. \u201cDue to the sizable number of signatures required, the Commission reminds all aspirants to submit their lists of supporters by September 10 to allow time for verification. This advance submission will ensure smooth nomination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging for peace and discipline as Uganda heads toward the crucial stage of campaigns and polling. \u201cWe should not allow elections to disrupt the prevailing peace and stability in our country, which are critical for socio-economic transformation. I thank you for listening to me. I say this for God and my country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC chairman also issued a stern warning against voter bribery. \u201cDo not use money to influence voters either to vote for you or against another candidate. It is an offence. If you win by bribery, your victory can be challenged in court and cancelled. Offenders will be prosecuted. Banange, bano bulwadde buli mu kulonda, tulina okubulwanyisa,\u201d he warned, switching briefly into Luganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While addressing the media , Byabakama reminded the nation that nomination of candidates commenced on September 3 with district and city chairpersons, Lord Mayors, councillors, and representatives of special interest groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second phase of nominations started on September 8 and will run until September 10. \u201cThis includes nominations for persons vying for municipality and city division chairpersons, and councillors, including special interest groups. The nomination venue is the gazetted district or city nomination centre,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next segment will run from September 11 to 24 for sub-county, town, and municipal division chairpersons and councillors. All nominations will be conducted at designated county centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justice Byabakama stressed that the nomination of presidential candidates, which he described as \u201ca critical milestone on the electoral roadmap,\u201d will be held on September 23 and 24 at the EC\u2019s proposed headquarters in Lubowa, Entebbe road. \u201cAlthough in terms of infrastructure there isn\u2019t much as yet, we felt it prudent to conduct this key milestone at the same site where the EC home will be set up. Work is ongoing to prepare the venue appropriately so that we can have very successful nominations,\u201d he assured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC boss congratulated all candidates who have so far been successfully nominated for local government positions, but warned against flouting the commission\u2019s guidelines. \u201cWe urge all stakeholders involved in the process to abide by the rules as we transition to the next phase of the electoral process, namely campaigns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Byabakama also addressed growing concerns about complaints being aired on social media. \u201cThe Commission has already received a number of petitions arising out of the processes conducted so far. However, we have observed that some participants have resorted to using various media platforms to raise allegations of irregularities. We wish to emphasize that such platforms are not the appropriate channels. Any individual or entity with a complaint should submit it officially, particularly in writing to the Electoral Commission, to enable us to examine the matter and determine the appropriate course of action,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further reminded aspirants about key requirements for nomination, including the payment of non-refundable fees before nomination day and the allocation of symbols. \u201cSymbols will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a candidate is a party flag bearer, automatically the symbol is the party symbol. For independents, they must choose from among the 20 gazetted symbols, and sign against the one allocated to them before leaving the nomination centre,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC also clarified procedures on withdrawal of candidates, which must be done through a written notification signed by the candidate and witnessed by two registered voters of the electoral area. For party-sponsored candidates, withdrawal must be ratified by the party secretary general or a duly authorized official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On campaign guidelines, Justice Byabakama reminded aspirants about convoy regulations. \u201cA person who uses a convoy of vehicles for the purpose of nomination shall have no more than two vehicles in the convoy. Each vehicle shall bear police stickers and shall not carry more than 10 persons. This is what the law provides,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To support the process, the EC has set up a complaints and queries desk at its headquarters. \u201cThe desk will provide information to members of the public and election officials, and will handle verification of aspirants or supporters on the National Voters Register,\u201d Byabakama said. He released toll-free numbers\u20140800 300121 and 0800 300122\u2014for the public to use, along with additional lines for inquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead to presidential nominations, Byabakama reminded aspirants of the legal requirements. \u201cA presidential candidate must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old. They must also possess a minimum qualification of Advanced Level or its equivalent. Those with foreign qualifications must obtain certification from the National Council for Higher Education and UNEB, and such certificates should have been submitted two months prior to nomination,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted the requirement for presidential aspirants to be seconded by at least 100 registered voters from not less than eighty districts. \u201cDue to the sizable number of signatures required, the Commission reminds all aspirants to submit their lists of supporters by September 10 to allow time for verification. This advance submission will ensure smooth nomination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging for peace and discipline as Uganda heads toward the crucial stage of campaigns and polling. \u201cWe should not allow elections to disrupt the prevailing peace and stability in our country, which are critical for socio-economic transformation. I thank you for listening to me. I say this for God and my country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EC chairman also issued a stern warning against voter bribery. \u201cDo not use money to influence voters either to vote for you or against another candidate. It is an offence. If you win by bribery, your victory can be challenged in court and cancelled. Offenders will be prosecuted. Banange, bano bulwadde buli mu kulonda, tulina okubulwanyisa,\u201d he warned, switching briefly into Luganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Editor;msserwanga@gmail.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Electoral Commission (EC) Boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, has once again issued strong warning against voter bribery and said the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15376,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[65],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/a8e433c7-dd99-47f1-a56f-0a3c4e654994-750x375-1.jpeg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16003,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ec-boss-byabakama-reveals-that-21-million-voters-will-cast-their-votes-in-2026-general-elections-printing-of-ballot-papers-starts\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":0},"title":"EC Boss Byabakama Reveals That 21 Million Voters Will Cast Their Votes In 2026 General Elections, Printing Of Ballot Papers Starts","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"November 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Electoral Commission (EC) , Boss Justice Simon Byabakama ,has revealed that 21 million voters have been cleared to participate in the January 15, 2026, general elections. According to Byabakama of the 21 million voters women represent 53% and the men account for 47%. During a press conference at the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "National News"","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ed-26-b.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ed-26-b.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ed-26-b.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ed-26-b.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ed-26-b.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14652,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ec-boss-justice-byabakama-warns-candidates-about-academic-qualifications-deployment-of-youth-vigilantes-to-protect-votes-is-illegal\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":1},"title":"EC Boss Justice Byabakama Warns Candidates About Academic Qualifications , Deployment of Youth Vigilantes To Protect Votes Is Illegal","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"June 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Our Reporters Justice Simon Byabakama has told candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections to strictly verify their academic papers before nomination and warned against deployment of youth vigilantes to \"protect' voters . \"All those persons who had their academic qualifications verified in previous elections for example in 2021\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "2026 General Elections"","block_context":{"text":"2026 General Elections","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/2026-general-elections\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bya.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bya.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bya.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bya.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bya.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16340,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ec-boss-justice-byabakama-in-masaka-hailed-for-presiding-over-peaceful-2026-general-elections\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":2},"title":"EC Boss Justice Byabakama In Masaka hailed For Presiding Over Peaceful 2026 General Elections","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"January 23, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has thanked Ugandans\u2014particularly residents of Masaka City\u2014for the warm reception and appreciation extended to him following the conclusion of the 2026 General Elections. Justice Byabakama was on a visit to Masaka City The Electoral Commission boss was pleasantly surprised\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "National News"","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/676337d099484e751fd4d1b9830b3ce2.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/676337d099484e751fd4d1b9830b3ce2.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/676337d099484e751fd4d1b9830b3ce2.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/676337d099484e751fd4d1b9830b3ce2.jpg 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15803,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/electoral-commission-sets-january-15-2026-the-date-for-presidential-and-parliamentary-elections\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":3},"title":"Electoral Commission Sets January 15 2026 The Date For Presidential And Parliamentary Elections","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"October 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Uganda\u2019s Electoral Commission (EC) boss Justice Simon Byabakama has announced that the presidential and parliamentary elections will now be held on January 15, 2026. While addressing the media at the EC offices in Kampala Byabakama, also reminded the public that nominations for the parliamentary aspirants will be held tomorrow\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "National News"","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Byabakama-2.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Byabakama-2.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Byabakama-2.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12376,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ec-chairman-justice-byabakama-calls-for-strong-law-to-regulate-campaigns-financing\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":4},"title":"EC Chairman Justice Byabakama Calls For Strong Law To Regulate Campaigns Financing","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"July 15, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Uganda Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama , has called for urgent amendment to place a cap on campaign financing which has rendered Uganda's elections a commodity for the highest bidder . Speaking to the media in Kampala ahead of next years campaigns in the run-up to the 2026 general\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Elections"","block_context":{"text":"Elections","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/elections\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/bya.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/bya.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/bya.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/bya.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/bya.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2390,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ec-boss-justice-byabakama-summons-minister-kasolo-bobi-wine-and-amuriat-for-flouting-covid-19-campaign-guidelines\/","url_meta":{"origin":15375,"position":5},"title":"EC BOSS JUSTICE BYABAKAMA SUMMONS MINISTER KASOLO, BOBI WINE AND AMURIAT FOR FLOUTING COVID-19 CAMPAIGN GUIDELINES","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"December 11, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"As the elections season heats up ,the Electoral Commission Boss , Justice Simon Byabakama has summoned a Minister and two Presidential Candidates, for violating the set elections guidelines and SOPs to stem the spread of the deadly, novel -global covid-19 pandemic that has left 220 Ugandans dead and 25,730 suffering\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Elections"","block_context":{"text":"Elections","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/elections\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-byabakama1-1.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-byabakama1-1.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/simon-byabakama1-1.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0aOV-3ZZ","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15375"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15375\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15388,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15375\/revisions\/15388"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}