EC Warns Presidential Aspirants Against Illegal Campaign Funding  

 October 7, 2025   |    58 views

Kampala, Uganda – October 6, 2025-The Uganda Independent Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a stern warning to all presidential aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections, cautioning them against engaging in illegal campaign financing.

 The Commission emphasized that while candidates are permitted to raise funds for their campaigns, such fundraising must strictly comply with the provisions of the Presidential Elections Act.  

The Legal Framework

According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the law allows candidates and their agents to solicit funds for campaign purposes, but only within the legal framework. He cited Section 23(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, which clearly outlines prohibited sources of campaign financing.  

 “The law prohibits presidential candidates from raising funds from foreign governments or institutions, and from any persons or groups that have declared an intention to overthrow the sitting government,” Mucunguzi explained.  

Candidates are also required to maintain accurate records of all financial assistance received and submit a comprehensive report to the EC within 30 days after the election.  

Prohibited Sources of Funding

The EC highlighted that the following are illegal sources of campaign funds:  

– Foreign governments and their agencies.  

– International organizations or institutions.  

– Individuals or groups that have declared hostility towards the Ugandan government.  

– Any entity whose funding could compromise Uganda’s sovereignty or electoral integrity.  

Accountability and Transparency

The Commission stressed that transparency in campaign financing is critical to ensuring free and fair elections. Every presidential candidate must file a financial return disclosing all contributions, donations, and expenditures.  

Failure to comply with these requirements carries serious legal consequences, including:  

Fines as stipulated under the law.  

– Possible disqualification if a candidate is found guilty of receiving funds from prohibited sources.  

– Criminal liability for candidates or agents who knowingly submit false financial returns.  

 “Any person who fails to file a return, files false information, or receives funding from outlawed sources is liable, upon conviction, to penalties under the law,” Mucunguzi warned. 

Uganda’s elections have often faced scrutiny over the role of money in politics. The EC’s renewed emphasis on campaign financing rules comes at a time when:  

– Smaller parties and independents are struggling to raise funds for nationwide campaigns.  

– Concerns about foreign influence in African elections are growing, with international actors accused of covertly funding candidates.  

– Public trust in electoral integrity remains fragile, with citizens demanding greater accountability from both the EC and political actors.