Electoral Commission reassures candidates on campaign security
“The commission receives all these complaints and issues and is committed to addressing them,” Mucunguzi stated, dismissing allegations that the EC was ignoring the matter.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, speaks after a meeting between political party agents, Police and the commissioners of Electoral Commission (EC) at EC offices Kampala on October 07, 2025. (Photos by Ronnie Kijjambu)
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The Electoral Commission (EC) has moved to address mounting complaints from presidential candidates, specifically responding to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine's claims that he has been unfairly blocked from campaigning in certain areas.
The EC insists it is actively engaging with all campaign stakeholders and reaffirmed the constitutional mandate of the Police to ensure security for all candidates, whom the state considers a “very important national asset.”
Speaking to New Vision Online, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi confirmed that the commission, led by its chairperson, met with all presidential candidate agents today “to take stock and review how the campaigns have gone” and receive complaints.
The deputy to the Director of Operations Services in Uganda Police Force (UPF), James Ruhwezi (left) and the director for operation in UPF, Frank Mwesigwa (right) listen to the secretary General of National Unity Platform (NUP), David Lewis Rubongoya after meeting between political party agents, Police and the commissioners of Electoral Commission (EC) at EC offices Kampala.
“The commission receives all these complaints and issues and is committed to addressing them,” Mucunguzi stated, dismissing allegations that the EC was ignoring the matter.
Police Actions
Mucunguzi explained that the Police, who are constitutionally mandated to ensure security, have explained the rationale behind certain campaign route decisions. He strongly advised candidates to resolve local disagreements through dialogue.
“If there is any issue of disagreement on location, on venue, on routes to use, candidates or their agents should dialogue with the police command in the district to have an amicable situation and to avoid confrontation,” he advised.
The EC spokesperson also highlighted the comprehensive security measures provided to campaigns.
“The police is mandated to provide security to candidates, the agents, to the supporters and to the venues,” he said.
“It is because of that reason as well that the commission handed over a security detail to every and each of the nominated candidates.”
Unequal treatment
The EC’s statement comes amid heightened tensions following several incidents involving Kyagulanyi.
The FDC agent, Augustine Ojubira (left) chat with the NRM agent, Moses Byaruhanga after meeting between political party agents, Police and the commissioners of Electoral Commission (EC) at EC offices Kampala.
While campaigning in Mubende, the NUP candidate accused the Electoral Commission of treating him differently from other presidential candidates, who he says are allowed to campaign freely in municipalities while he faces restrictions.
“I am putting Simon Byabakama [EC chairperson] on notice,” Kyagulanyi declared.
This confrontation followed an incident earlier in the day when Police blocked Kyagulanyi at Katabalanga Swamp, preventing him from entering Mubende town and attempting to force him to use a different, alternative campaign venue at Kyeguluso.
The blockage forced the Opposition leader to abandon his cars and walk an additional three kilometres to his rally along with his supporters.
Although he arrived at the venue at approximately 5:30pm, a few Police officers that followed him allowed him to campaign past the legal cutoff time of 6:00 pm.
EC insists that all candidates are free to campaign nationwide within the bounds of the law, even as Kyagulanyi alleges unequal treatment compared to his rivals.