Calls for 'level playing field' as 2026 election nears

The Opposition political parties have asked the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to ensure that there is a level playing field as the 2026 general election draws nearer.

They expressed concern that their political activities have been curtailed or interrupted by security forces.

The Electoral Commission has released the road map for next year's election.

“We want a level playing field and not restricting us from campaigning because the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is already campaigning. We should all have equal opportunity to compete,” said Ken Lukyamuzi, the president of Conservative Party (CP).

He urged the commissioners to talk to President Yoweri Museveni over a level playing field whenever they meet him.

Sarah Muwonge, the senior administrative secretary of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, said the Police have restricted their political activities, especially during their country tour mobilization meetings.

“Our party officials always write to the Inspector General of Police whenever we have political meetings countryside but the Police block our activities,” she said.

Sadam Gayira, the chairperson of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), asked the EOC to recommend in their report the removal of military personnel from involvement in the electoral process.

PPP's secretary general David Alira tasked the commission with implementing the political parties’ recommendations and not to treat their demands as business as usual.

These sentiments were voiced on Tuesday (April 29) during political party dialogue on inclusive participation organized by the EOC at its headquarters in Kampala.

The dialogue was attended by the secretary generals, deputies, chairpersons and electoral commission chairpersons of the respective political parties.

NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi agreed on the need for a level political ground that is free from violence.

The chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission Safia Nalule addressing participants during the political parties dialogue on inclusive participation at the Commission headquarters in Kampala on April 29, 2025. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

He cited the recent Kawempe North by-election won by Elias Nalukoola of NUP that was characterized by chaos, which Odoi said cost his party’s candidate.

“I condemned the violence caused by security forces, which cost us [NRM party] votes,” he said. 

On her part, EOC chairperson Sofia Nalule said the government can create a level playing field for all political actors by way of adherence to the electoral laws as this strengthens the democratic process.

“Together, political parties and the government must collaborate to ensure a more equitable, transparent and democratic electoral process," she said.

"Achieving equal opportunities requires a shift in leadership culture supported by deliberate policies, targeted investments, and outreach strategies that empower all citizens to engage meaningfully."

Impressed by the turnout, Nalule thanked the political parties for their response to the commission’s agenda on political party dialogue.

They included NRM, NUP, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), PPP, CP, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and JEEMA. 

The commission outlined the recommendations to promote good governance and free and fair general elections, as including the following:

▪️ promoting equal media access to all candidates

▪️ preventing and addressing electoral violence

▪️ strengthening party internal democracy

▪️ embracing accessible technologies in all electoral processes, including removal of lining behind candidates on voting date.