The Uganda Electoral Commission has issued a set of guidelines and warnings as campaigns for Members of Parliament and Local Government positions officially kick off today.
In a statement released by Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, candidates, their agents, and supporters have been urged to conduct their activities responsibly and in accordance with the law. Campaigns are to run strictly between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., after which all activities must cease.
Mucunguzi emphasized that voter bribery remains a serious offense, warning that both the giver and the receiver of bribes are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, may face fines or imprisonment, or both.
He also cautioned against the use of hate speech or sectarian language that divides citizens along tribal, ethnic, regional, or religious lines.
Similarly, he discouraged the spread of lies, propaganda, misinformation, and fake news on social media platforms.
To ensure public order and minimal disruption to daily life, the EC directed that campaign activities should not take place in public roads, markets, schools, or hospitals.
The Commission also reminded candidates to be considerate, noting that Senior Six students are currently sitting their final examinations, and therefore campaign noise near schools should be avoided.
He called for mutual respect and tolerance among supporters of different political parties, emphasizing that political opponents should not be treated as enemies.
“All candidates and their teams were urged to avoid violence, maintain law and order, and promote peace throughout the campaign period”. He said.
He appealed to all Ugandan’s to remember that “elections are not a do-or-die affair.” It stressed that the ultimate goal of the electoral process should be to leave the people, communities, and the country stable, united, and progressing.
