The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has emphasized the importance of peaceful elections in 2026, stating that they are a constitutional right for every Ugandan.

He made this call on July 10, 2024, while releasing the revised 2025/2026 election road map at Royal Suites, Bugolobi.

According to Byabakama, their major focus is to ensure that peaceful elections prevail and responsible youth participate in all stages of the electoral process.

“As a commission, our commitment to our planning and preparations is always aimed at conducting free and fair elections as commanded by the Constitution in a setting that is non-violent and peaceful,” Byabakama stated.

He further condemned violence and called for respect for the Commission’s guidelines, noting some political actors’ dismissive attitudes.

Byabakama further highlighted that the commission does not ban the media from moving with their gadgets; however, they are not allowed to use the gadget to take photos of the voters who are casting their votes, especially at the polling booth.

“The EC recognizes the central role the media play in the electoral process by providing the public with information on which to base their decisions, facilitating public debate on the choices before the voters, and providing a voice to voters; however, they should adhere to the set rules,” he said.

He stated that during elections, security needs to ensure there is an enabling environment that allows the voters to freely approach their polling station, cast their vote, and leave.

While addressing the issue of how much money political party candidates are allowed to inject into the campaign, Byabakama stated that the commission does not have a campaign finance law in place that regulates the financial flow yet.