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PPI
Public Policy Institute
Uganda 2021 General
Elections Information
Leaflet
UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET 1
1. ABOUT THIS INFORMATION LEAFLET
Uganda will go to the polls in 2021 2. ELECTORAL GEOGRAPHY
for the country’s fourth multiparty The total number of available elec�ve posi�ons for
the 2020/21 elec�ons are 1,539,946. These
general elections under the 1995 posi�ons cover the Presidency, Parliamentary and
constitution. PPI through this leaflet Local Government Councils general elec�ons as well
has profiled the basic facts and as Special Interest Groups.
information that you need to know
about the elections.
Table 1: Distribu�on of Electoral Units and Elec�ve Posi�ons
Electoral Units Number Seats/Elective positions
Number of Districts 135 a) 135 Women Representa�ve to
Parliament
b) 135 District Local Council V
Chairpersons
Number of Ci�es (including 11 c) 11 City (District) Women Members of
Kampala Capital City Authority) Parliament
d) 29 Directly elected Members of
Parliament
e) Lord Mayor (KCCA)
f) 10 City Mayors
g) 25 City Division Mayors
Number of Municipali�es 56 h) 56 Directly elected Members of
Parliament
Number of Regions 4 5 Members of Parliament for Youth
5 Members of Parliament for PwDs
5 Members of Parliament for Workers
5 Members of Parliament for the Elderly
Uganda Peoples Defense Forces 1 10 M embers of Parliament for the UPDF
Council
Number of Coun�es 312 353 Directly elected Members of
Parliament
Total number of Members of 529 Direct and Special Interest Groups Seats,
Parliament to be elected includes Women District Representa�ves
No. of Sub 2,184 2,184 Chairperson of LC III
coun�es/Towns/Municipal Divisions
Number of Parishes in Uganda 10,595 Local Council II Chairpersons
Number of Villages in Uganda 70,626 Local Council I Chairpersons
Number of Polling Sta�ons in 34,344
Uganda
Number of Registered Voters in 17,658,527 43.8 percent of Ugandans
Uganda
Total popula�on 40.3
Million
Source: Electoral Commission & UBOS 2019 Statistical Abstract
2 UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET
Table 2: Disaggrega�on of Registered Voters by Age and Gender
Category Number Percentage
Total Registered Voters 17,658,527 100
Female Registered Voters 9,218,963 52.21
Male Registered Voters 8,439,564 47.79
Youth (10 - 30 Years ) 7,846,373 44.4
Elderly (60+ years) 1,701,518 9.6
PwDs 382,577 2.1
Source: Electoral Commission, 2019 ( Compiled in 2019, using the youth, elderly and PWD registers )
The number of eligible voters has increased from every tallying Centre (s. 12(1b))
15.28 million in 2016 to 17.66 million in 2021, c) Regula�ons by way of statutory instrument to
represen�ng an increment of 2.38 million new prescribe the manner of use of technology in the
voters. management of elec�ons (s. 12(1c)- (1d).
3. ELECTION FACTS AND INFORMATION 3.1.3. The Presiden�al Elec�ons Act, 2005 [PEA]
(as amended)
3.1. Laws and Provisions Under which the 2021
General Elec�ons will be Conducted?
The Presiden�al Elec�ons Act (2005) provides for
The 2021 general elec�ons will be conducted the elec�on of the president. In 2020, sec�on 56
under the following legal frameworks; (2) of the Act was amended to provide for the
electronic transmission of electoral results (the
3.1.1. The Cons�tu�on of the Republic of Uganda return form, tally sheets and declara�ons of results
forms) by returning officers to the Commission.
The 1995 Cons�tu�on of the Republic of Uganda The electronic transmission requires copies to be
(as amended) provides for; availed to poli�cal par�es and candidates, though
it does not do away with delivery of hardcopies of
a) The Establishment of the Electoral Commis-
sion (Ar�cle 60) and its mandate (Ar�cle 61) to the listed documents to the Commission.
organize, conduct and supervise regular, free, and
fair elec�ons and referenda; 3.1.4. The Parliamentary Elec�ons Act, 2005 (as
amended)
b) The electoral process and �melines within
which to conduct the elec�ons; and The Parliamentary Elec�ons Act provides for the
parliamentary elec�ons in accordance with Ar�cle
c) Redress procedures to aggrieved presiden�al
candidates (Art.104) in the Supreme Court a�er 76 of the 1995 Cons�tu�on. It s�pulates the quali-
the declara�on of elec�on results. fica�ons and disqualifica�on for a parliamentary
elec�on, the nomina�on, campaigning, polling,
3.1.2. The Electoral Commission Act, Cap 140 coun�ng of votes, tallying and declara�on of
[ECA] (as amended). elec�on results and procedures for pe��oning the
elec�on results. In addi�on, it provides for parlia-
The Electoral Commission Act, Cap 140 provides
mentary cons�tuencies and tenure of office of
the detailed provisions related to the func�ons of
the Commission. members of Parliament.
In 2020, the ECA was amended to provide for;
3.1.5. The Local Government Act, 1997 [LGA] (as
a) Use of technology in the management of amended)
elec�ons (s. 12(1a);
b) Electronic display system for the public at a) Sec�on 101 of the LGA mandates the EC toUGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET 3
organize local council elec�ons, providing the 3.2. Poli�cal System for the 2021 General Ele-
various posi�ons, requirements to contest and c�ons
procedures of conduc�ng the elec�ons.
b) The LGA mandates the EC to demarcate a) The 2021 presiden�al and parliamentary
electoral areas in line with parameters stated in elec�ons will be the fourth elec�ons to be
sec�on 108 (1-4). conducted under a mul�-party-poli�cal dispensa-
c) The electoral posi�ons provided for under �on since 2005 when the country returned to-
the LGA are District Local and urban council Chair- Mul�party Democracy. Since 2006, the country
persons, municipal mayors, and councillors. has successfully conducted regular elec�ons
following a 5-year cycle.
3.1.6. The Na�onal Youth Council Act, 1993
[NYCA] (as amended) b) A total of 26 poli�cal par�es are registered
and eligible to par�cipate by sponsoring candi-
Sec�on 15 of the NYCA provides for the Na�onal dates across all elec�ve posi�ons.
Youth Council Delegates Conference as the elector-
al College for the elec�on of the 5 Youth members 3.3. Other Key Ins�tu�ons Mandated to Deliv-
of Parliament. er, Manage, and Enforce Electoral Ac�vi�es
3.1.7. The Poli�cal Par�es and Organiza�ons Act, The other key ins�tu�ons cri�cal to Uganda’s 2021
2005 [PPOA] (as amended) general elec�ons are
a) The poli�cal Par�es and Organisa�on’s Act • Uganda Communica�ons Commission
provides for the forma�on, registra�on of and • Uganda Human Rights Commission and
membership to poli�cal par�es; • Security Agencies
b) In addi�on, the PPOA provides for the
regula�on of the financing of poli�cal par�es and What will be their roles in the elec�ons?
organisa�ons;
c) In 2019, an amendment was done to 3.3.1. Uganda Communica�ons commision (UCC)
prescribe a code of conduct for poli�cal par�es
and organisa�ons including a prescrip�on of how The mandate of the Commission is to regulate the
par�es should conduct themselves ahead of and communica�on sector in Uganda. The Commission
during general and residual elec�ons; thus has regulatory oversight with respect to
d) Ahead of the 2021 general elec�ons, the telecommunica�ons, data communica�on, radio
Electoral Commission has provided guidelines to communica�ons, postal communica�ons, and
poli�cal par�es, guiding that each candidate shall broadcas�ng.
be personally iden�fied by the symbol of his or her
party on the ballot paper. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
and the measures established to combat its
Other legal frameworks include; spread, the Electoral Commission, in its revised
i) The Na�onal Women Councils Act, Cap 319 (as roadmap to the 2021 elec�ons indicated that polit-
amended); ical campaigning by the different candidates will
j) The Persons with Disability Act, 2020; be done mainly through the media, especially
k) The Na�onal Council for Older Persons Act, radio sta�ons, television sta�ons and online
2013; and pla�orms.
l) The Labour Unions Act, 2006.4 UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET
The Uganda Communica�ons Commission has the Electoral Commission and ensure law and
therefore developed guidelines that lay out the order ahead of and during the elec�ons. This
responsibili�es of media houses, broadcas�ng includes safety of vo�ng opera�ons and guaran-
radio sta�ons, television sta�ons, poli�cal par�es, tees that all eligible voters can freely par�cipate in
candidates, journalists and the Electoral Commis- vo�ng and according to their own choices without
sion regarding the use of media for campaigns fear of harm or in�mida�on.
during the na�onal Presiden�al and Parliamentary
elec�ons in Uganda. b) Secure Elec�on Materials
The police will have the role of ensuring security of
UCC will therefore play a regulatory func�on to elec�on materials at vo�ng and coun�ng centres
ensure that the media; and during their transporta�on. Therefore, it is the
duty of the police and not that of poli�cal players
a) Provides fair, accurate and comprehensive to ensure that electoral materials are not stolen,
elec�on related news and informa�on to hijacked, destroyed, or fraudulently altered by any
enable-ci�zens to make informed poli�cal group or persons.
decisions;
b) Provides a balanced and adequate oppor- c) Mi�gate Electoral Violence and Inves�-
tunity for ci�zens, candidates, and poli�cal par�es gate Related Offences.
to express divergent poli�cal views; The police is obliged to ensure equitable security
c) Reports accurately about the vo�ng during an electoral process and build ci�zens confi-
process and the results; and dence and commitment to an electoral ac�vi�es.
d) Reports accurately and fairly the immedi-
ate a�ermath of the elec�ons. d) Providing Security to Poli�cal Candidates.
During the campaign period, the Commission in
3.3.2. Uganda Human Rights Commission liaison with the Uganda Police, provides escort
(UHRC) teams to Presiden�al candidates. The Police
ensures adequate security at all the campaign
• The role of the Uganda Human Rights venues countrywide.
Commission is to conduct and report on civic
par�cipa�on ahead of the general elec�ons. In 4. ELECTION DATES
addi�on, UHRC is mandated to ensure that voter The approved key elec�on dates by the Electoral
and registra�on campaigns play a vital role in Commission for 2020/2021 General Elec�ons are
ensuring that ci�zens effec�vely exercise their as follows.
rights to vote and minimizing cases of voter Table 3: The Key Elec�on Dates
apathy. No Activity Period
1. Nomination of candidates for Local Government October 5, 2020
Councils
2. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections October 15 -16, 2020
• In addi�on, UHRC is mandated to protect 3. Nomination of Candidates for Presidential Elections 2nd- 3rd November, 2020
4. Nomination of Municipality and City Division SIG 21st-22nd September, 2020
the rights of non-state actors duly accredited for Committees Candidates (Older persons, PWDs and
Youth)
civic educa�on, from any undue harassment, inter- 5. Conduct of municipality and City Division SIG
committees Candidates’’ campaign
23rd-24th September, 2020
ference, and interrup�on in the course of their 6. Polling for municipality and city Division OP
committees
25th September, 2020
civic educa�on work. 7. Polling for municipality and city Division PWD
committees
28th September, 2020
8. Polling for municipality and city Division Youth 30th September, 2020
committees
3.3.3. The Police (Assisted by its Sister agencies) 9. Polling period for 2021 General Elections 10th January - 8th February
2021
Source: Electoral Commission, 2019
a) Ensure Law and Order
The obliga�on of the Police is to provide security toUGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET 5
4.1. Eligibility to Vote years by the closure of the update exercise
conducted by Electoral Commission.
All ci�zens of Uganda 18 years and above are Hence, when a voters’ roll for each polling sta�on
eligible to register to vote. Every registered voter is in a parish has been compiled, only persons whose
enrolled on to the Na�onal Voters' Register. names appear on the roll are en�tled to vote.
For one to vote in the 2021 general elec�ons, they Voters’ register was compiled by upda�ng and
must be on the Electoral Register and should be 18 displaying of the Na�onal Voters Register and
Registers of Special interest groups.
4.2. The Districts with the Highest Number of
Voters in Uganda?
Figure 1: The Top Ten Districts in Terms of Registered Voters
Voters
1,400,000
1,281,308
1,160,551
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
372,102 354,047
400,000 328,415
274,772 264,222 261,953 257,276 256,454
200,000
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Source: Electoral Commission National Voters Register for the 2020/21 General Elections
Kampala and Wakiso districts have the highest number of registered voters totaling 2.4 million. The top ten
districts in terms of vo�ng numbers cons�tute a total of 4.8 million represen�ng 27 percent of the overall
voters.
4.3. Elec�ve Posi�ons
Table 4: Category of Elec�ons with Elec�ve Posi�ons for 2021 Elec�ons
Category Number of electives
Positions for 2021
Presidential 1
Parliamentary 529
District 4,273
Municipality/City Division 1,424
Sub-county/Town/Municipal Division 30,679
Youth, PWDs and Older Persons Committees Village to National Level 1,503,040
Total 1,539,946
Source: Electoral Commission Revised Roadmap to the 2020/2021 General Elections
4.4. How are Special Interest Elec�ons Conducted and Who is Eligible?
Special interest groups will be conducted taking into considera�on the Standard Opera�ng Procedures put
in place to control the spread of COVID -19 by the Ministry of Health.6 UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET
Table 5: The Category, Level and Mode of Elec�ons for Special Interest Groups
Category Level Mode of Election
Youth Village/Cell,Parish/Ward,Sub-county/ Electoral college and lining up
Town/Municipal Division and Municipality/City
Division
District and National level Electoral college and Secret
ballot
PWDs Village/Cell,Parish/Ward,Sub-county/ Electoral college and lining up
Town/Municipal Division and Municipality/City
Division
District Level Electoral college and Secret
ballot
Older Village/Cell,Parish/Ward,Sub-county/ Electoral college and lining up
Persons Town/Municipal Division and Municipality/City
Division
District and Regional level Electoral college and Secret
ballot
PW Ds Village/Cell,Parish/Ward,Sub-county/ Electoral college and lining up
Town/Municipal Division and Municipality/City
Division
District Level Electoral college and Secret
ballot
Older Village/Cell,Parish/Ward,Sub-county/ Electoral college and lining up
Persons Town/Municipal Division and Municipality/City
Division
District and Regional level Electoral college and Secret
ballot
Source; Uganda Electoral Commission Revised Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections
Youth. Eligible youth should be a Ci�zen of The Commission shall deploy the use of technolo-
Uganda with 18 years of age but below 30 years, gy as follows;
residing in the village/cell and a registered voter in
the Youth Council Register. • Registra�on of voters; the na�onal nomi-
nal roll shall be generated from the Na�onal Infor-
Persons with Disabili�es. Eligible Persons with ma�on data base that is compiled by the Na�onal
Disability should be a Ci�zen of Uganda with 18 Informa�on and Registra�on Authority.
years of age and above, residing in the village/cell • Display of the register; the nominal roll
and a registered voter in the PWD Council Register. shall be displayed electronically accessible via
computer through the Electoral Commission
Older persons. Eligible Older persons should be a website.
Ci�zen of Uganda with 60 years of age and above, • Iden�fica�on of voters on polling day; the
residing in the village/cell and a registered voter in Electoral Commission shall use the Biometric Voter
the Older Persons Council Register System to iden�fy voters during polling.
• Transmission and Tally of Elec�ons: on
4.5. Will Technology Be Used in the 2021 polling day, results from the polling sta�on and sub
General Elec�ons? county tally center shall be electronically trans-
ferred using the Electronic Results Transfer and
The Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Dissemina�on System (ERTDS).
that was passed by Parliament in March 2020 • Sensi�za�on, Communica�on, and Voter
amended the Electoral Commission Act, Cap.140 Educa�on; the Electoral Commission shall conduct
to provide for the use of technology in the man- voter educa�on using media including social
agement of elec�ons. media. In addi�on, voters are able to access their
voter details electronically by sending an SMS/ or
via the EC website.UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET 7
4.6. How do Poli�cal Par�es Internally Choose the commission the authority to examine any
their Candidates for the General Elec�ons? elec�on-related complaints, decide on a course
and take necessary ac�on to correct an irregularity
All poli�cal par�es are required to choose their once confirmed.
candidates for general elec�ons as well as party
structures in adherence to Ar�cle 71 (c-d) of the c) In the event that a complainant does not
1995 Uganda Cons�tu�on. In adherence to this agree with the EC’s decision, they can appeal to
provision, poli�cal par�es have used electoral the High Court in the form of a pe��on, supported
colleges and primary elec�ons (using adult by affidavits of evidence specifying the declara�on
suffrage) to choose their candidates for the various that the High Court is being requested to make.
posi�ons.
However, due to COVID-19 and the measures 4.8. How will the 2021 general elec�ons be
established to combat its spread, Parliament in different from the previous elec�ons (are there
July 2020 approved new guidelines for the conduct any new reforms to elec�on delivery and man-
of poli�cal party primaries and elec�on of its agement?
leaders.
a) Use of technology in elec�ons in the
a) Regula�on 5 of the guidelines empowers 2020/2021 General Elec�ons.
poli�cal par�es to include virtual mee�ngs, phased
elec�ons, and resolu�ons by circula�on as an As highlighted above, there are new legal provi-
alterna�ve to conven�onal fun-filled primaries. sions manda�ng the Electoral Commission to use
technology in the 2020/2021 general elec�ons.
b) Regula�on 5(3) empowers par�es to over- The EC will deploy technology as follows;
ride their Cons�tu�ons and opt for a method that
is in sync with the Covid19 health guidelines in • Display of the register; the nominal roll
selec�ng party officials and candidates. shall be displayed electronically accessible via
computer through the Electoral Commission
c) Except the topmost organs of poli�cal website.
par�es, the other party structures can now have • Iden�fica�on of voters on polling day; the
their tenure extended pursuant to Regula�on 5(4). Electoral Commission shall use the Biometric Voter
System to iden�fy voters during polling.
4.7. How will Elec�on Disputes be Handled? • Transmission and Tally of Elec�ons: on
polling day, results from the polling sta�on and sub
Several legal instruments such as the 1995 Cons�- county tally center shall be electronically trans-
tu�on of Uganda, the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act of ferred using the Electronic Results Transfer and
2005, the Electoral Commission Act of 1997, and Dissemina�on System (ERTDS).
the Parliamentary Elec�ons Act of 2005, provide • Sensi�za�on, Communica�on, and Voter
avenues through which elec�on disputes should Educa�on; the Electoral Commission shall conduct
be handled. voter educa�on using media including social
media. In addi�on, voters are able to access their
a) For example, Ar�cle 61(f) of the cons�tu- voter details electronically by sending an SMS/ or
�on empowers the Electoral Commission (EC) to via the EC website.
hear and determine elec�on complaints arising
before and during elec�ons. b) Equal Access to State-owned Media by
Presiden�al Candidates.
b) The Electoral Commission Act further gives8 UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET
The Presiden�al Elec�ons (Amendment) Act 2020 b) Equal Access to State-owned Media by
recasts and expands the provisions of sec�on 24(1) Presiden�al Candidates.
of the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act No 16/2005 on
equal access to State owned media. The Presiden�al Elec�ons (Amendment) Act 2020
recasts and expands the provisions of sec�on 24(1)
of the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act No 16/2005 on
• Defines state owned media as “media equal access to State owned media.
houses in which the controlling interest is held by • Defines state owned media as “media
the state; houses in which the controlling interest is held by
• Places the obliga�on on to the Electoral the state;
Commission to ensure equal treatment of all presi- • Places the obliga�on on to the Electoral
den�al candidates on state owned media; Commission to ensure equal treatment of all presi-
den�al candidates on state owned media;
• Mandates state owned media to no�fy all
• Mandates state owned media to no�fy all presiden�al candidates of available �mes, broad-
presiden�al candidates of available �mes, broad- casts schedules and costs;
casts schedules and costs; • Creates sanc�ons for contraven�on in
terms of fines to the state owned media houses
• Creates sanc�ons for contraven�on in and fines and/or imprisonment for persons in
terms of fines to the state owned media houses charge of state owned media houses
and fines and/or imprisonment for persons in
c) Campaign Rallies in Presiden�al Elec�ons
charge of state owned media houses to be Conducted Between 7am – 6pm
4.8. How will the 2021 general elec�ons be The Presiden�al Elec�ons (Amendment) Act 2020
different from the previous elec�ons (are there amends the provisions of sec�on 21 of the Presi-
any new reforms to elec�on delivery and man- den�al Elec�ons Act No 16/2005 by s�pula�ng
agement? �me for holding of campaigns in presiden�al
elec�ons, as between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (s. 21(1a)).
a) Use of technology in elec�ons in the As a result, it prescribes sanc�ons for contraven-
2020/2021 General Elec�ons �on in terms of fine not exceeding UGX: 960,000
As highlighted above, there are new legal provi- and/or imprisonment for not more than 2 years (s.
sions manda�ng the Electoral Commission to use 21(1b).
technology in the 2020/2021 general elec�ons.
The EC will deploy technology as follows; This provision may however not apply due to
• Display of the register; the nominal roll guidelines issues by the EC s�pula�ng that poli�cal
shall be displayed electronically accessible via campaigns shall on be done through media and
computer through the Electoral Commission not poli�cal gatherings. This is intended to adhere
website. to the guidelines issues by the Ministry of Health
• Iden�fica�on of voters on polling day; the to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Electoral Commission shall use the Biometric Voter
System to iden�fy voters during polling. d) Elec�ons of Members of Parliament to be
• Transmission and Tally of Elec�ons: on Conducted only during the General Elec�ons
polling day, results from the polling sta�on and sub
county tally center shall be electronically trans- The Parliamentary Elec�ons (Amendment) Act
ferred using the Electronic Results Transfer and 2020 amends the provisions of sec�on 8(5) of the
Dissemina�on System (ERTDS). Parliamentary Elec�ons Act No 17/2005 by requir-
• Sensi�za�on, Communica�on, and Voter ing the filling of elec�ve posi�ons of Members of
Educa�on; the Electoral Commission shall conduct Parliament in respect of newly created districts or
voter educa�on using media including social cons�tuencies to be deferred un�l the next gener-
media. In addi�on, voters are able to access their al parliamentary elec�ons. The amendment means
voter details electronically by sending an SMS/ or that the Electoral Commission only holds elec�ons
via the EC website. for the representa�ves of new districts or cons�tuUGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET 9
encies at the next general elec�on, rather than d) Reports accurately and fairly the immedi-
schedule elec�ons during the midst of an elec�on ate a�ermath of the elec�ons.
cycle whenever a new district or cons�tuency is
created. The Electoral Commission issued the following
guidelines in respect to the use of media for poli�-
e) Polling and Polling Procedures cal campaigns;
The Parliamentary Elec�ons (Amendment) Act • All candidates/poli�cal par�es shall
2020 and the Presiden�al Elec�ons (Amendment) conduct their media engagements in accordance
Act 2020 amended sec�ons 30(8) and 31(8) of the with the programs submi�ed to the respec�ve
2005 Acts respec�vely, in requiring that the open returning offices and harmonised by the respec�ve
ing of polling procedure be carried out in the full media houses.
view of at least ten voters who are registered to • The Commission shall, through the
vote at the polling sta�on rather than, as it was Uganda Communica�ons Commission require all
previously required in the full view of only 5 voters media houses (privately owned) to make public
present. their rate cards, availability of �me, the broadcast
schedule and cost of presen�ng their programs
f) Public Officers Banned from Poli�cal and allocate �me to candidates.
Campaigns • Candidates and their agents are encour-
aged to use other non-contact means of communi-
The Parliamentary Elec�ons (Amendment) Act ca�on, that is, broadcas�ng, publishing, cell and
2020 and the Presiden�al Elec�ons (Amendment) web-based pla�orms, to interact with the elector-
Act 2020 introduce new sec�ons 83A and 79A of ate during the campaigns.
the 2005 Acts respec�vely, in banning the involve- • During the campaigns, candidates may use
ment of public officers in campaigns making it an the Community Based Public Address Systems
offence that is punishable by a fine and/or impris- (Kizindaalo) and a program for usage should be
onment. communicated by the candidates /agents to the
respec�ve returning officer.
4.9. How will Poli�cal Campaigns be Conduct- • The Electoral Commission shall ensure
ed ahead of the Elec�ons? that all presiden�al candidates are given ‘equal
treatment on state-owned media to present their
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic programs to the people in accordance with sec�on
and the measures established to combat its 24 (1) of the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act
spread, the Electoral Commission, in its revised • A State-owned media shall, within 14
roadmap to the 2021 elec�ons indicated that polit- (fourteen) days a�er nomina�on day, no�fy in
ical campaigning by the different candidates will wri�ng, all presiden�al candidates of the availabili-
be done mainly through the media, especially ty of �me, the broadcas�ng schedule and cost of
radio sta�ons, television sta�ons and online presen�ng their programs and shall allocate �me
pla�orms. to the candidates in accordance with sec�on 24
(1a) of the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act.
4.10. How will media be used as a pla�orm for
poli�cal campaigns? 4.11 How will poli�cal candidates finance their
campaigns and what are the rules on campaign
The Media is required to; financing?
a) Provide fair, accurate and comprehensive
elec�on related news and informa�on to enable Poli�cal par�es represented in Parliament receive
ci�zens to make informed poli�cal decisions; annual funding to the tune of UGX 10 billion (USD
b) Provide a balanced and adequate opportu- 2.7m). This funding is administered by the EC and
nity for ci�zens, candidates, and poli�cal par�es to appor�oned based on propor�onal representa-
express divergent poli�cal views; �on.
c) Reports accurately about the vo�ng During the general elec�ons, the EC is required
process and the results; and under the Presiden�al Elec�ons Act (2005) to
provide presiden�al candidates Security by way of10 UGANDA 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS INFORMATION LEAFLET personnel and lead vehicle throughout the campaign period. Rules of Campaign Financing • The Poli�cal Par�es and Organisa�ons Act (2005) restricts contribu�ons from foreign sources to UGX: 400m (USD 100,108), but provides no restric�ons on funding from Ugandan ci�zens, NGOs, businesses, and other private en��es; • Under the Poli�cal Par�es and Organiza- �ons Act (2005), poli�cal par�es are required to keep records of dona�ons, contribu�ons, and property; • Funding by foreign and terrorist organiza- �ons is clearly forbidden; however, there is no legisla�on in Uganda to control the private funding of par�es.
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+256 393 206447
info@ppi.or.ug
www.ppi.or.ug
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