EC Clarifies Voting Rules, Warns Bars Near Polling Stations

The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has issued final guidelines on voting procedures, campaign conduct, and polling day regulations as Uganda heads into the 2026 General Election on Thursday, January 15.

Speaking during a media engagement at the Electoral Commission offices in the Industrial Area, Justice Byabakama led a public demonstration illustrating what constitutes valid and invalid votes, aimed at minimising voter errors and rejected ballots.

“If a voter marks outside the box on the ballot paper, but the intention for a particular candidate is clear, that vote is still valid,” Justice Byabakama explained, using sample ballot papers to guide journalists and election stakeholders.

He emphasised that the overriding principle in vote counting is clear voter intention, noting that minor technical mistakes do not automatically invalidate a ballot.

With one day left to polling, the EC chairperson also reminded candidates, supporters, and the public that campaigning officially ends 48 hours before polling day. “The law says campaigns shall cease 48 hours from the time of polling. At 6 pm today, campaign rallies will be concluded,” Byabakama said.

Justice Byabakama further warned voters against wearing campaign-related attire at polling stations. “If you are going to the polling station to cast your vote, you are not permitted to put on any attire that bears messages in support of any candidate,” he cautioned.

Addressing election-day conduct, he called for unhindered access to polling stations. “Let voters get to the polling stations without hindrance or obstruction on voting day,” he said.

The EC chairperson also outlined the role of candidate agents, stressing that their presence must follow established procedures. “The agents of a candidate are supposed to sit at a table where they can cross-check the names of the voters on the voters’ register,” he noted.

In a stern warning to business owners, particularly bar operators near polling stations, Justice Byabakama cited the law restricting alcohol sales on election day. “For those who have bars next to the polling station, the law says you shall not sell any liquor within 100 meters of the polling station. So please close the bar; it will not collapse for just one day,” he said.

Earlier, Justice Byabakama also met with election observer organisations, urging them to uphold professionalism and neutrality throughout the electoral process. “Maintain strict impartiality, independence, and professionalism, and respect national laws and Electoral Commission procedures,” he told observers.

The Electoral Commission is expected to continue issuing updates as the country prepares for voting on January 15, 2026, with polling set to begin nationwide in the morning.