Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Mugenyi Byabakama warned candidates to stop bribing voters with cash and goods ahead of the January 15, 2026, election. The practice violates the Parliamentary Elections Act of 2005, which punishes offenders with three years in prison or fines, yet remains common across Uganda's political landscape.
Byabakama condemned the distribution of money, hoes, and household items that turn voting into commercial transactions rather than civic participation. One aspiring candidate for the Mubende municipality spent more than 80 million shillings before losing his party nomination, while Investment Minister Evelyn Anite disclosed spending 100 million shillings over two days campaigning in Koboko.
The chairman urged politicians to channel campaign funds through banks and halt community fundraising events that mask vote buying. Campaigns must cease 48 hours before polling day, as mandated by constitutional requirements for presidential and parliamentary races.
Poverty and weak enforcement allow cash handouts to influence tight contests despite laws against electoral bribery. Byabakama said democracy fails when politicians purchase loyalty instead of earning support through policy proposals and public service commitments.
Byabakama condemned the distribution of money, hoes, and household items that turn voting into commercial transactions rather than civic participation. One aspiring candidate for the Mubende municipality spent more than 80 million shillings before losing his party nomination, while Investment Minister Evelyn Anite disclosed spending 100 million shillings over two days campaigning in Koboko.
The chairman urged politicians to channel campaign funds through banks and halt community fundraising events that mask vote buying. Campaigns must cease 48 hours before polling day, as mandated by constitutional requirements for presidential and parliamentary races.
Poverty and weak enforcement allow cash handouts to influence tight contests despite laws against electoral bribery. Byabakama said democracy fails when politicians purchase loyalty instead of earning support through policy proposals and public service commitments.
