Legal Safeguards for Polling: What the Law Requires
Under Ugandan electoral law — specifically the Presidential Elections Act, 2005 — a candidate is entitled to be represented at each polling station through a polling agent or representative. But crucially, “not more than two” agents may be appointed per candidate per polling station.
Likewise, the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, which governs parliamentary and local-level elections, provides the same limitation: “Not more than two representatives or polling agents shall be appointed by a candidate … and the appointments shall be in writing addressed to the presiding officer of the polling station.”
These legal provisions underline that monitoring and safeguarding the poll — often referred to as “voter protection” — must be done only via officially appointed polling agents. There is no legal basis for large informal groups, uniformed squads, or so-called “voter-protector” outfits operating as vigilante-style teams at polling stations.
EC’s Firm Warning: “No Unauthorised Squads”
In its latest press statement ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission warned all political parties, candidates and supporters against deploying unofficial “voter-protector” squads or loosely organised teams claiming to guard or oversee voters. The EC emphasized that only accredited polling agents are permitted to observe the voting and counting processes.
Any attempt to bring in large groups, wear distinct uniforms or jackets, or behave as informal “protection” squads will be treated as a breach of the law, and will attract enforcement action — including arrest or removal by security forces. The Commission stressed that such practices jeopardise the fairness, secrecy and orderliness of polling stations.
Elections Roadmap: What the EC Has Already Achieved
The 26 November 2025 press statement from EC chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon revealed that the Commission is well-advanced in its preparations for the 2026 General Elections. Major milestones have been met — notably: demarcation of Local Government electoral areas; a nationwide update and public display of the National Voters Register; and the election of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) committees from the village to national levels. Nominations for presidential, parliamentary and local government seats have also been completed.
The EC reported that Uganda has now 21,681,491 registered voters, with women making up 53% and men 47%. Administrative mapping — including districts, counties, constituencies, sub-counties, parishes, villages and polling stations — has been finalised, laying the groundwork for logistical deployment on polling day.
Campaign Conduct: EC Raises Red Flags
Despite the positive progress, the EC expressed concern over rising incidents of campaign misconduct across the country. The Commission condemned unauthorised processions, impromptu rallies, destruction of campaign posters, and other disruptive activities. According to Justice Byabakama, such behaviour threatens public order and undermines voters’ rights to a peaceful and free electoral environment.
In response, the EC has already convened two meetings with presidential candidates’ agents and security agencies to address emerging complaints. Another meeting is scheduled soon, aimed at reinforcing compliance with campaign guidelines and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Call for Peaceful, Law-Abiding Participation
The Electoral Commission has urged all stakeholders — candidates, political parties, supporters, security agencies, civil society, media, and the general public — to commit to peaceful, lawful, and respectful participation. It reaffirmed that only legally accredited polling agents may observe or assist at polling stations; any parallel “voter-protector” initiative that lies outside the legal provisions will be considered illegal. The Commission warned it would take swift action against violations to ensure a credible, inclusive, and transparent 2026 General Election.
What Voters and Political Actors Must Know
A candidate can have at most two polling agents at each polling station.
“Voter protection” is legitimate only through those agents — not via informal groups or squads.
Polling stations will strictly admit only authorised individuals: election officers, polling assistants, accredited agents and observers, official security personnel, and voters.
Use of uniforms, jackets or badges by unauthorised persons at polling centres will be considered a breach of law and order.
As polling day approaches, the EC’s message is clear: safeguarding the vote is a right — but it must be exercised legally. The Commission calls on all actors to respect the law, uphold fairness, and ensure that voter protection does not morph into intimidation or unofficial enforcement.
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