By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has cautioned its members against voter bribery and electoral violence as the party prepares for its internal primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kampala, UPC spokesperson Sharon Oyat Arach urged candidates to maintain discipline and commit to a peaceful electoral process.
“We come against all forms of bribery and will not tolerate any individual who incites violence at any polling station. Candidates must advocate for their people to vote for them and refrain from election malpractice,” Arach stated.
The call comes as the party finalizes preparations for its primary elections following a successful nomination exercise conducted by the Party Electoral Commission two weeks ago.
According to the UPC Electoral Commission roadmap, the primaries will take place on two separate dates: August 16 and August 18, 2025.
“On August 16, we shall conduct primaries for parliamentary candidates, LC5 chairpersons, city mayors, city division mayors, and municipal mayors,” Arach announced. “Then on August 18, we shall proceed with elections for district councillors, city division councillors, municipal or division councillors, sub-county chairpersons, and sub-county councillors.”
However, the party confirmed that voting will not take place in areas where candidates are unopposed.
Only registered party members at parish, sub-county, county, and district executive levels will be eligible to vote, in line with Executive Order 001 recently issued by UPC party president Hon. Jimmy James Akena Obote.
Although the party did not disclose the total number of registered voters, Arach dismissed any fears of irregularities, saying the UPC has ensured a clean voters’ register. “There will be no claims of names missing from the register — a common issue in other political parties,” she said, in a veiled jab at the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The party also reiterated its stance against members contesting as independents after losing in the primaries. “If you do not win, please rally behind the chosen flag bearer. Running as an independent weakens the party. Losing does not mean exclusion — it is an opportunity to build unity and grow UPC,” Arach emphasized.
The UPC leadership has committed to ensuring the primaries are peaceful, transparent, free, and fair.
