The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a strong warning to all media outlets, online TV stations, bloggers, and social media influencers ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
UCC has made it clear that no individual or media organization is allowed to set up independent tally centers or announce election results, describing such actions as illegal and unacceptable.
The notice comes as the country prepares for the high-stakes elections, where scrutiny of voting and results is expected to be intense. The commission aims to prevent misinformation, confusion, and the spread of false outcomes that could disrupt the electoral process.
Only the Electoral Commission has the authority to declare winners at any polling station, constituency, municipality, city, district, or region. Any attempt by media or influencers to release results independently is a violation of the law.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo emphasized that the rules are clear and will be strictly enforced, noting that centralizing the announcement of results ensures transparency, fairness, and accuracy. Independent declarations, he said, could mislead the public and provoke unrest.
Experts point out that the rise of social media and online platforms has made the enforcement of these rules more challenging, but UCC is determined to maintain order during the elections. Political analysts agree that centralized communication of official results is crucial for preventing disputes and maintaining public trust.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 polls, all media outlets, bloggers, and content creators are urged to follow the rules closely. UCC’s warning leaves no room for independent announcements of election outcomes.
