EC Releases Official Political Party Symbols, Warns Candidates Against Bribery

The Electoral Commission (EC) has unveiled the official symbols of all registered political parties in Uganda, urging voters to familiarize themselves with the icons ahead of the upcoming elections to avoid confusion on polling day.

The symbols represent 27 political parties registered under the Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005, a law that came into effect after Uganda’s return to a multiparty political system following the 2005 referendum.

Among the most recognizable party symbols are the yellow bus for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the umbrella for the National Unity Platform (NUP), the key for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the hoe for the Democratic Party (DP), and the open hand for the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Other parties carry unique symbols such as a giraffe for the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA), a hurricane lamp for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and a microphone with a green leaf for the Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU).

EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the publication of official symbols is aimed at boosting voter education and minimizing errors during elections.

“We want every voter to know their party’s symbol well so that they can make the right choice and avoid any mistakes on polling day,” Mucunguzi noted.

Petitions Over Local Government Nominations

Meanwhile, the EC has begun hearing petitions from individuals dissatisfied with local government nominations made last week. Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed that the Commission heard about 60 petitioners on the first day, with hearings extending until midnight.

The Commission has pledged to allocate sufficient resources to ensure all complaints are handled promptly before elections.

Warning to Candidates and Religious Leaders

Justice Byabakama also issued a stern warning to nominated candidates against making donations or participating in fundraising events, saying such activities could be interpreted as bribery and form grounds for disqualification.

He further appealed to religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to suspend political fundraising drives during the campaign season to maintain a fair electoral environment.

“Fundraising functions at which politicians seeking votes are invited may compromise the integrity of the electoral process. We urge religious leaders to put these activities on hold until after the election season,” Justice Byabakama said.

The EC continues its voter education campaigns as political activities gain momentum ahead of the elections.