Africa-Press – Uganda. The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) across the country against blocking or interfering with presidential candidates during campaign activities ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The caution followed a meeting held in Kampala between the Commission, representatives of presidential candidates, and security agencies to review the progress of the first week of campaigns.
Speaking after the closed-door meeting, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the Commission had received reports of RDCs and security officers allegedly disrupting candidates’ movements and rallies in various parts of the country.
“No RDC or security official has the authority to interrupt a duly nominated presidential candidate,” Byabakama warned.
“If anyone blocks campaign activities, report them to us — we shall take them to court.”
Byabakama noted that the first week of presidential campaigns had been relatively peaceful compared to previous elections.
However, he cautioned that isolated cases of interference could tarnish the process if not addressed swiftly.
“This campaign season has so far been smoother than what we saw in 2021,” he said. “However, we must remain vigilant and ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and lawfully.”
During the meeting, representatives from opposition parties — including the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Conservative Party (CP), Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) — expressed frustration over what they described as continued police and RDC interference in their campaigns.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya told reporters that despite reporting their grievances to the Commission, they were “not confident that the situation will change.”
“We have raised our complaints several times. The police continue to stop our processions, and some RDCs behave like NRM campaign agents,” Rubongoya said.
Meanwhile, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegation reported that its campaign activities were progressing smoothly without any major incidents.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke acknowledged there had been misunderstandings on the campaign trail but insisted that the force was only enforcing the law.
“Some candidates have been holding illegal processions and violating traffic laws,” Rusoke said. “We are not targeting anyone. Our job is to maintain order and protect all road users.”
Justice Byabakama urged all candidates to adhere to the agreed campaign schedules and to report any cases of obstruction or violence rather than engaging in confrontations with security personnel.
He added that the Commission would continue to closely monitor campaign activities and take disciplinary action against any officials found sabotaging the process.
“We want a peaceful and fair election where every candidate has an equal opportunity to reach their supporters,” Byabakama emphasized.
As campaigns enter their second week, the EC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the 2026 general elections are conducted transparently and without intimidation.
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