Kabale, Uganda – Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi explicitly cautioned nominated candidates against early campaigning and making donations at fundraising events, labeling such acts clear violations of election laws.
The warning, delivered during an engagement in the cool, hilly terrain of Kabale Town, underscores the Commission’s heightened vigilance as the nomination process for local government positions kicks into high gear.
Speaking with an air of official urgency, Mucunguzi didn’t mince words. He stated that any public gathering where a nominated candidate is seen soliciting for votes or making charitable donations could be interpreted as a campaign activity, something strictly forbidden outside the official campaign period set by the Commission.
“The law is clear,” Mucunguzi emphasized. “Once nominated, you are a candidate. But the campaign period is designated. Engaging in activities that can be seen as soliciting for votes before that time is a violation.”
This isn’t just a gentle reminder; it’s a direct reference to the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Electoral Commission Act, which grant the EC the power to monitor and regulate campaign activities, with violations potentially leading to disqualification.
However, the warning didn’t stop there. Mucunguzi also turned his attention to political parties, urging them to step up and fully support their flag bearers in meeting all official requirements, hinting at the logistical and financial hurdles candidates often face even before campaigns begin.
The timing of this announcement is crucial. The Commission is currently in the thick of nominating candidates for various local government positions, the grassroots foundation of Uganda’s political structure. These local races are often where the most intense political battles are fought, and where the lines between community service and early campaigning are frequently blurred.
It’s a familiar scene across Uganda where a nominated MP aspirant attends a funeral, a church fundraiser, or a community meeting and makes a donation. The EC is drawing a hard line, asserting that such actions, while seemingly benevolent, are often a calculated form of early campaigning.
This move can be seen as an effort to level the playing field. Well-funded incumbents or candidates with deep pockets often gain an unfair advantage by using donations to curry favor long before the official campaign season begins. The EC’s warning is a clear message: this time, we’re watching.
While the EC’s stance is grounded in law, it’s predictably controversial. Critics and political players often argue that these rules stifle a candidate’s ability to genuinely engage with their constituents outside of a hyper-regulated campaign window.
“How do you tell a leader not to help their community just because they are nominated?” asked a local council aspirant in Kabale who preferred anonymity. “This is how we stay connected to the people. It’s not always about votes.”
However, governance advocates and pro-democracy groups are applauding the Commission’s firmness. They argue that unchecked early campaigning creates an unfair electoral environment, favoring the wealthy and blurring the lines between genuine charity and political bribery.
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