'Museveni entitled to use govt resources during campaigns'

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Public service state minister Grace Mary Mugasa has tabled in Parliament a statement outlining the Government resources that an incumbent President is entitled to use during presidential campaigns and elections.

Under Section 27(1) of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179, “except as authorised under this Act, or authorised by law, a person shall not use Government resources for the purpose of campaigning for any candidate, Party or organisation in an election.”

However, Subsection 27(2) clarifies that a candidate holding the office of President may continue to use government facilities during campaigns, limited only to those facilities “ordinarily attached to and used by the holder of that office.”

Further, Subsection 27(3) requires that the minister responsible for public service present to Parliament a statement of these government facilities.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Mugasa fulfilled this requirement. She said: “In accordance with Rule 54 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda, I wish to lay on the table a statement of those Government facilities which are attached to and utilised by His Excellency the President during Presidential Campaigns.”

Facilities entitled to the president during campaigns

According to Schedule 2 of the Emoluments and Benefits of the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister Act, Cap. 277, the facilities include: free state residences, a fully facilitated State House, including State Lodges upcountry. They include transport vehicles (4000–5000 cc) with government-paid chauffeurs, including Police lead and backup security vehicles, official executive limousine and spare car, escort vehicles, press and communications vehicles equipped as required, ambulance and caravan, presidential jet and helicopter.

The security is provided by Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Special Force Command, the Police and internal and external security officers. Others are staff that include personnel under the State House ordinarily attached to the President.

Uganda’s general elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with President Museveni seeking another term. The use of government facilities by sitting presidents during campaigns is intended to ensure that the office functions continue without interruption. However, previous elections in Uganda have faced criticism over the perceived advantage this provides to incumbents, raising debates about fairness and access to campaign resources for opposition candidates.

Mugasa’s disclosure to Parliament is part of the legal framework aimed at ensuring transparency in the use of government resources during the electoral process.

In the 2021 general elections, President Museveni was declared the winner with 59% of the vote, while Bobi Wine secured 35%. The elections were marred by allegations of fraud and violence, with opposition leaders and international observers raising concerns about the credibility of the process. Despite these issues, the Electoral Commission declared the elections peaceful.