The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned aspirants for Members of Parliament and lower local council seats against breaching campaign guidelines as they start official campaigns.
As per the Electoral Commission roadmap, the campaign period which commenced on Monday, November 10. 2025, will run until January 13, 2026, ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Last week, District Returning Officers held meetings with candidates and their agents to draw up harmonised campaign programmes aimed at preventing clashes and ensuring a smooth electoral process.
In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi reminded candidates to conduct peaceful, lawful, and respectful campaigns that uphold national unity and safeguard public order.
“As campaigns begin, candidates should remember that Senior Six students are sitting their final examinations. Please avoid staging rallies near schools or other learning institutions to prevent disruption,” Mucunguzi said.
He further emphasised that campaign activities must strictly take place between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., warning that voter bribery in any form is a criminal offence.
“Both the giver and the receiver of a bribe are culpable and may face fines, imprisonment, or both upon conviction,” he cautioned.
The EC also reiterated that campaign activities should not be conducted on public roads, in markets, schools, or hospitals, as such locations are designated for essential public use and business operations.
“Do not use language that promotes hatred or divides people along sectarian lines of tribe, ethnicity, religion, or region. Avoid violence and maintain peace at all times,” Mucunguzi urged, adding that candidates must treat each other with dignity and respect.
“Let campaigns and elections come and go, leaving our people, communities, and the country stable, united, and progressing. Elections are not a do-or-die affair,” he stressed.
According to EC records, a total of 2,025 candidates were nominated to contest for the 353 directly-elected Parliamentary seats across the country.
