By Naome Namusoke/ KMA updates
Kampala, Uganda — The Electoral Commission (@UgandaEC) today convened a meeting in Kampala, bringing together agents of all eight presidential candidates and senior leadership from the Uganda Police Force. The goal was to review how the first week of campaigns has played out, surface emerging issues and complaints, and build consensus around ensuring that campaigns proceed peacefully, in line with agreed rules and laws.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the closed-door meeting focused squarely on what has worked, what is not working, and how to keep tensions low as the pace of campaigning builds.
“We convened a meeting of all agents of the candidates together with the police to discuss the progress of the campaign process so far, to hear any issues or complaints, and to agree on the way forward,” Mucunguzi said.
A key feature of today’s meeting was a recommitment by all participants to operate within the harmonized campaign programme, adhere to Electoral Commission guidelines, and respect relevant electoral laws.
The EC and the police reportedly underscored that deviations from the agreed schedules or routes which have already drawn complaints risk undermining fairness and triggering conflict.
Both sides pledged that any disputes that may arise would be handled through dialogue, not confrontation.
According to Mucunguzi, since campaigns officially launched on September 29, overall conduct has been “largely peaceful” and broadly in line with EC rules.
Still, candidate agents raised a number of grievances. Some complained of restrictions on movement, including being directed to take certain routes by police, or being unable to access approved venues.
Others, particularly from opposition parties, reiterated earlier accusations that some Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and local security actors have interfered or attempted to obstruct campaign activities.
In response, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama cautioned against overreach by RDCs or security officials. “No RDC or security official has the authority to interrupt a duly-nominated presidential candidate,” he reportedly said.
He also urged that any obstruction or interference be formally reported so that the EC can take action, including legal recourse.
Police, while acknowledging some friction, defended their conduct. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said some of the constraints had been imposed to maintain order and safety, and insisted that enforcement is impartial.
At the close of today’s meeting, the parties committed to:
- Continue respecting the harmonised schedule of campaign events.
- Adhere strictly to EC campaign guidelines and electoral law.
- Use dialogue and institutional mechanisms to resolve disagreements.
- Avoid surprise deviations or confrontational tactics.
Mucunguzi emphasized that the EC would remain vigilant and intervene when necessary to safeguard equity across the contestants.
In past elections, tensions around access, routes, processions, and security interference have frequently been flashpoints between opposition camps and state apparatus.
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