The Uganda Electoral Commission has cautioned presidential candidates contesting in the 2026 general elections against mobilising supporters to remain at polling stations to “protect” or “demand” votes, saying such actions are unnecessary and could disrupt the electoral process.

In a letter addressed to all presidential candidates, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, said the law clearly assigns the responsibility of safeguarding a candidate’s interests to duly appointed polling agents, not ordinary voters or supporters.

Citing Sections 35(1) and 50(3) of the Presidential Elections Act, the Commission explained that each candidate is entitled to deploy two polling agents at every polling station to observe voting and counting on their behalf. The Commission added that polling agents are also entitled to receive copies of the Declaration of Results (DR) forms, as provided under Section 53(1) (d) of the Act.

“It is not the responsibility of every voter or individual to safeguard the interests of any candidate at a polling station,” the Commission stated, noting that a voter’s role ends after casting a ballot unless formally appointed as a polling agent.

The Electoral Commission warned that encouraging large numbers of supporters to remain near polling stations throughout polling day could lead to arguments, disagreements, commotion, disruption of voting and counting, and possible violence, particularly in urban areas where polling stations are located in confined spaces.

According to the Commission, voters who have cast their ballots should leave polling stations and may only return at 4:00 p.m. to witness vote counting, while observing the legally required 20-metre distance.

“The absence of voters or supporters in the vicinity of a polling station will not jeopardize the interests of any candidate,” the Commission said, emphasizing that the presence of polling agents is sufficient to safeguard electoral interests.

The warning comes amid heightened campaign rhetoric ahead of the Uganda presidential elections, with some candidates urging supporters to remain vigilant at polling stations to prevent alleged vote manipulation.