The chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has issued the final guidelines to the public as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections which are just a day away.
He said the measures were intended to help ensure a peaceful, free and fair process.
Addressing the media during the final demonstration of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) the EC offices, Byabakama called for peace and the observance of law and order by both candidates and voters during the election period.”
He warned candidates against continued campaigning, wearing campaign clothing or congesting polling stations after the official campaign period ends. He advised bar owners with premises near polling stations to close their businesses on election day to allow smooth operations.
Byabakama clarified that voters would be allowed to cast their ballots without voter location slips or national identity cards, provided their names appear on the National Voters’ Register.
He said the issuance of voter location slips, which help voters find their polling stations, would continue until January 14.
On the validity of votes, he told journalists that the voter’s intention was the key factor. He urged voters to make only one clear tick or thumbprint and to avoid mistakes such as marking more than one candidate. He noted that the system would prevent multiple voting, in line with electoral law.
Byabakama stressed the importance of allowing Ugandans to exercise their right to vote freely and fairly. He warned those who mislead the public that they would face the law, describing them as enemies of democracy.
On the declaration of results, Byabakama explained that the commission’s mandate continues until the final outcome is announced. In the presidential election, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes to be declared winner without a runoff.
He urged voters to respect the seating arrangements for polling agents so they could properly observe proceedings.
He called on the public to cooperate with electoral staff to help deliver peaceful, free and fair elections.
