Voters Warned: Stay Clear of Polling Stations to Protect Uganda’s Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a stern warning to voters, urging them not to linger at polling stations after casting their ballots or engage in behavior that could be seen as influencing, protecting, or monitoring votes. EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama emphasized that such actions are illegal and threaten the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process.

In a statement released on December 18, 2025, Byabakama clarified that voters are only permitted at polling stations for the purpose of voting. Once they have cast their votes, they must leave the premises immediately. “A voter is only allowed to be present at a polling station for purposes of voting. After voting, the voter must leave the polling station and its immediate surroundings,” he stated firmly.

Justice Byabakama stressed that the responsibility of safeguarding votes rests solely with accredited polling agents appointed by the Electoral Commission, not with voters or candidates. He warned against turning polling stations into spaces for campaigning or mobilization. “The duty of safeguarding the interests of a candidate, including the votes cast, rests with polling agents appointed in accordance with the law. Candidates and voters should not turn polling stations into campaign or mobilisation centres,” he explained.

The EC chairperson further cautioned that any person remaining at or near a polling station without lawful authority risks arrest for interfering with the voting process. “Any person who stays at a polling station without being a voter in the process of voting or an accredited agent is liable to arrest for disrupting the voting process,” he added, underlining the seriousness of the matter.

Byabakama also addressed the issue of observing vote counting. He clarified that voters who wish to witness the tallying of votes are only allowed to return after the official close of polling. “Voters who wish to observe the counting of votes may return at 4:00pm, but they must do so in an orderly manner and in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Commission,” he said.

The guidance from the EC aligns with previous remarks by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who has consistently reminded political actors and voters to adhere strictly to electoral laws on polling day. “The law is clear. Polling stations are not places for crowds, arguments, or enforcement of perceived rights. People must vote and leave, and only return to observe counting as provided for under the law,” Kiwanuka emphasized.
Similarly, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has encouraged voters to maintain a safe distance from polling stations to prevent confusion or potential confrontations. His call reflects the shared concern of security and electoral bodies about preserving order during elections, which is critical to ensuring a credible outcome.

Justice Byabakama concluded by urging voters, candidates, and supporters to respect the law, maintain peace, and allow electoral officials to conduct their work without interference. He warned that overcrowding, loitering, and confrontations could easily derail the electoral process, stressing that every Ugandan has a role to play in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s elections.