KAMPALA, Uganda — The Electoral Commission (EC) has met with representatives of all eight presidential candidates and officials from the Uganda Police Force to review the first week of campaign activities, focusing on emerging issues and reinforcing the importance of peaceful, lawful, and well-coordinated political engagements.
The consultative meeting, held yesterday at the EC headquarters in Kampala, was chaired by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama. It brought together key stakeholders to evaluate progress, address challenges, and align on best practices as the campaign season gains momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Justice Byabakama noted that the first week of campaigns had been generally peaceful, with candidates traversing different parts of the country to meet supporters. However, he highlighted the need for continued compliance with the harmonized campaign programme and adherence to the electoral guidelines agreed upon by all parties.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation exhibited so far by candidates, security agencies, and the public. We urge all stakeholders to maintain this spirit of respect, tolerance, and dialogue as campaigns continue,” Justice Byabakama stated. “Our goal is to deliver a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.”
Police officials present at the meeting assured candidates of the Force’s commitment to providing security for all campaign activities, emphasizing that security operations would remain impartial and guided strictly by the law. They also appealed to candidates and their teams to communicate their campaign schedules early to enable effective coordination and avoid route conflicts.
Representatives of the presidential candidates used the platform to raise concerns related to access to campaign venues, crowd management, and logistical constraints. The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to resolve issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.
In a joint resolution, all parties reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining peace and order throughout the campaign period. They agreed to uphold a spirit of mutual respect and continuous engagement to address any disputes that may arise.
The Electoral Commission commended all stakeholders for their active participation and pledged to continue facilitating consultative forums throughout the campaign season. The meeting forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to promote cooperation, transparency, and fairness in Uganda’s 2026 electoral process.
