VERY SUSPICIOUS: Without Quoting Any Law, Electoral Commission Insists Voters Must Leave Polling Stations After Voting

The Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned Ugandans against remaining at polling stations after casting their ballots, warning that such actions could trigger chaos and undermine public order during the January 15, 2026 general elections.

The warning follows repeated calls by opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, urging his supporters to stay at polling stations after voting to “protect the vote.”

Speaking to the media, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the Commission’s guidance is rooted in the law and aimed at preventing disorder, not manipulating the outcome of the elections.

“You are losing sleep and even failing to eat because you are worried that your victory will be rigged if you do not stay at the polling station after voting. You are going to die of pressure for no reason,” Byabakama remarked.

He explained that while the law allows voters to remain at least 20 metres away from the polling table, prolonged congregation of supporters from different political camps often leads to tension and potential violence.

“Based on experience from previous elections, when people who support different candidates stay in the same place for hours, can anyone guarantee that chaos will not break out?” he asked.

Byabakama stressed that the EC’s advice for voters to return home after voting is meant to promote peace and order.

“When it is time for counting, you can return and witness the process. We are encouraging this to prevent disorder and violence—not because we intend to rig the vote in favour of any candidate. Your agents are present, and they are allowed to remain inside the polling station throughout the day,” he said.

Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused the Electoral Commission of bias, citing the 2021 elections in which he lost to President Yoweri Museveni. Ahead of the 2026 polls, he has urged supporters to turn out in large numbers, vote for him, and remain at polling stations as a form of protest and vigilance.

While the Presidential Elections Act permits voters to stay within 20 metres of polling areas, the EC insists that leaving immediately after voting remains the safest approach to avoiding clashes and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.