The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, has cautioned political parties against using the national flag or national symbols as campaign paraphernalia, saying the practice is prohibited under Ugandan law.
Justice Byabakama made the remarks while responding to questions about the growing visibility of the national flag at campaign rallies, particularly those involving National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and his supporters.
“The use of the national flag or logo as party paraphernalia is prohibited by law for registered political parties,” Byabakama said.
However, the EC chairperson admitted that the matter had not yet been formally addressed by the Commission.
“I must confess, as a commissioner, I have not addressed myself to that because I have not received any formal complaint,” he said. “I have seen people using the national flag when they are going for football matches. I will have to look at the law critically.”
Byabakama emphasised that while the law is clear on political parties incorporating national symbols into their identity or campaign materials, questions remain about the flag’s use in everyday contexts.
“What I know is that the law prohibits using a national flag or logo as part of the political party paraphernalia or identity features,” he said. “But on using it in day-to-day use, we have to study that and address the country accordingly.”
The remarks come amid an intense 2026 election campaign, with Bobi Wine and NUP supporters frequently waving the Ugandan flag at rallies, a practice the opposition says symbolises patriotism and national unity rather than party branding.
In the same briefing, Byabakama also addressed concerns around election transparency and the role of party agents at polling stations, particularly regarding the scanning of ballot papers.
“The party agents are expected to ensure that all issued ballot papers are scanned by the presiding officers,” he said.
He added that the Electoral Commission is willing to support political parties to ensure their agents are adequately prepared.
“We offer to train these agents. The candidates should warn their agents to be on the lookout so that every ballot paper is scanned,” Byabakama said.
Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about possible irregularities during voting and tallying, calling for vigilance by their polling agents. Byabakama said active participation by agents from all candidates would strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
As the country heads toward polling day, the EC says it will continue to clarify electoral laws and procedures, while urging political actors to comply with existing regulations to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
