UgandaToday: EC Chair Byabakama Slams Election Bribery, Warns Against Premature Campaigns
Kampala, September 9, 2025 — In a stern address to the nation during today’s press briefing, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), voiced deep concern over a surge in bribery and commercialization within the ongoing local government nominations for Uganda’s 2026 elections. With the aspiration to uphold electoral integrity, he simultaneously issued a clear warning against candidates launching campaigns ahead of the official commencement date.
Crackdown on Bribery and Commercialization
Justice Byabakama condemned the growing trend of using money to sway votes or undermine opponents, reminding aspirants that “winning by bribery” is illegal and ultimately undermines democratic legitimacy. He insisted that any candidate found engaging in such misconduct risks disqualification—a message echoed by the EC in today’s statement.
Campaigning: Stay Within the Legal Window
The EC Chair also cautioned candidates against initiating campaign activities before the official start date, as designated by the Electoral Commission. While the precise launch date for campaigns was not reiterated in today’s briefing, previous roadmaps have indicated that local government campaigns are slated to begin around September–December 2025, with official timelines varying by category.
Calls for Voter Vigilance
Complementing his warnings to aspirants, Byabakama urged the public to play an active role in preserving the sanctity of the electoral process—encouraging citizens to report instances of bribery, intimidation, or misuse of authority.
Broader Context: A National Effort Against Vote-Buying
This crackdown aligns with national efforts to curb vote-buying and reinforce democratic norms. In June 2025, President Museveni also issued a strong appeal to citizens to reject short-term financial inducements and cast votes grounded in principles and the long-term national interest.
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Bribery as a Threat to Democracy
Byabakama emphasized that candidates engaging in vote-buying risk not only breaking the law but jeopardizing their legitimacy. -
Adhering to Official Campaign Timelines
The Commission reiterated that candidates must await the designated period before starting campaign efforts. -
Empowering Citizens as Watchdogs
The public was urged to remain alert, report any improprieties, and safeguard the electoral process. -
National Momentum Against Electoral Malpractices
Byabakama’s statements reinforce broader institutional and executive commitments to elective integrity, amid rising scrutiny over political financing practices ahead of 2026. President Museveni had earlier echoed similar sentiments, urging Ugandans to resist lure of vote inducements.
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