EC Condemns Monetization of Elections, Warns Religious Leaders Against Fundraising Ahead of 2026 Polls 

By Sadique Bamwita 

Kampala 

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has condemned the continued Monetization of the election process saying this is obscenity of the highest order. He also strongly cautioned religious leaders against inviting aspirants or candidates during the electoral process saying this is interpreted as voter bribery.

He advised all religious leaders to invite politicians for fundraising after February next year when elections are done. He sounded the warning on September 9, 2025 while addressing the media at the commission’s headquarters along 7th Street in Industrial area, Kampala.

On bribing voters, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi explained that:

” If you give money for purposes of influencing voters then you commit an electoral crime. Last week, I addressed state attorneys during their annual state prosecutors’ conference and the purpose was to urge them to be part of the electoral process, ” Justice Simon Byabakama stated.

‘ Prosecutors should prosecute a person who has committed an electoral offense. We already have nominated candidates for City mayorship, LC5 Chairperson slot and Municipality mayors among other elective posts.

” Inviting candidates for fundraising in churches and mosques is not allowed. Religious leaders should wait to do so after February next year when all elections are done. I appeal to all religious leaders, political parties and Stakeholders to play their part in the electoral process.

‘ Bribing voters undermines the democratic values and processes in the country. Four months is not long and can’t do much damage. Therefore, religious leaders can hold on until elections are done to resume with their fundraising drives, ” Justice Byabakama advised Clergies.

” However, fundraising for purposes of managing utilities for a political party is allowed because they need money for fuel, and to facilitate their agents among other expenditures.’

Justice Byabakama Mugenyi added that: ” It’s an offense under the electoral laws to use money either to vote for you or another person or to use money not to vote for the other person. Once nominated, you are not supposed to construct boreholes or repair roads or donate iron sheets to the community for purposes of voting for you. Your opponents can use this evidence and produce it before court and consequently your victory will be cancelled. 

” The Law says a person who has bribed another commits an electoral offense and can be prosecuted. We are in talks with police to deal with this vice and the perpetrators should face the wrath of the Law, ” Justice Simon Byabakama warned aspirants.

Justice Byabakama noted that he doesnot subscribe to the notion that Ugandans have lost trust in the electoral commission saying that many aspirants have expressed enthusiasm to stand for various political posts.

” Because people have alot of confidence in the commission, they report very early at nomination venues  . Indeed they are taking the forthcoming polls seriously, ” Justice Byabakama noted.’

Regarding complaints arising out of nomination of candidates for City or Municipality mayors, LC5 chairpersons and their Councilors , Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi revealed that so far the commission has received over 1500 complaints arising out of the just concluded nomination exercise for the said political posts.

” We have already received complaints arising out of the nomination exercise. Some participants have resorted to using social media platforms to raise irregularities but let me make it clear to them these are not appropriate platforms. Whoever has a complaint arising out of the nomination should raise it before the commission through writing. I assure them their complaints will be handled in accordance with the electoral Laws, ” Justice Byabakama assured disgruntled aspirants.

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi reminded all aspirants that the commission shall not reserve symbols for independent candidates prior to nonation . 

” The independent candidate shall select from the 20 approved symbols. Where no candidate has not been nominated the returning officer shall report to the Electoral Commission which will in turn fix a fresh nomination date to the affected electoral area, ” said Justice Byabakama.

‘ Withdraw of dully nominated candidate can only be affected by means of a written notification to the commission signed by a candidate and not less than two voters in that electoral area. And where a candidate has been sponsored by a political party, the notification for withdrawal of the candidate shall be signed by the party secretary General or a person authorized by the party, ” Justice Byabakama clearly explained.

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi revealed that this time round nomination of presidential candidates which will take place between 23- 24 September will be conducted at the Commission’s new home in Lweza/Lubowa zone in Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality along Entebbe Road. He however, challenged all political parties to iron out their internal conflicts regarding who should carry the party flag. 

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi informed the general public that the national voters are still being cleaned and once this is done, the commission shall produce the final polling register which shall be used in the 2026 polls.

On moving in huge convoys, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said each candidate will be allowed to move in a convoy of two cars each bearing a police sticker with ten occupants in each car. 

In conclusion, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi urged all aspirants, stakeholders and their supporters to obey the guidelines for the electoral commission, maintain Law and order and guard jealously the prevailing peace and stability in the country during the nomination exercise and the subsequent electoral activities.