Electoral Commission Calls for Urgent Legislation to Curb Commercialization of Elections
As the 2026 elections approach, Justice Simon Byabakama of Uganda’s Electoral Commission highlights the urgent need for legislation to regulate election financing. He warns that the commercialization of elections undermines democracy and promotes corruption, calling for media support to push for necessary reforms.
As the 2026 general elections approach, the Electoral Commission emphasizes the urgent need for legislation to regulate election financing, which significantly influences the will of the people and often predetermines election outcomes.
During a media engagement in Kampala on Wednesday 10th July, 2024, the Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, referred to the commercialization of elections as “a cancer” undermining Uganda’s democratic achievements.
“The commercialization of politics, especially within the electoral process, has become a serious issue affecting the conduct of free and fair elections. It has grown into a significant problem in our democratic journey as a nation. Currently, it is estimated that running for Parliament requires at least 500 million shillings. This financial burden compels candidates to seek large sums of money, sometimes even selling their property to enter the race. Such candidates are not prepared for the possibility of losing, which leads to issues like voter bribery and violence,” Byabakama stated.
He continued, “Unfortunately, there is no existing law to regulate election financing. However, if the media can advocate for this legislation, it may prompt the necessary action. We need this law to address the growing concerns over campaign financing, and I believe that, eventually, we will have such a law.”
The commercialization of elections severely undermines democratic integrity by allowing financial power to overshadow the collective will of the people. Wealthy candidates and parties leverage their financial resources to dominate media coverage, sway public opinion, and engage in voter bribery, thus compromising fair competition. This practice erodes public trust in the electoral process, turning elections into contests of financial strength rather than true representations of the people’s voice.
Moreover, the high costs of campaigning deter capable candidates without substantial financial resources, limiting voter options and stifling political diversity. This distortion of democratic principles leads to governance that favors the affluent, neglecting the broader needs of society. The commercialization of elections also promotes corruption, as elected officials may prioritize recovering campaign expenditures over serving their constituents’ needs.
Byabakama highlighted the dangers this poses to Uganda’s democratic process and progress. “This explains the temptation to bribe voters. Candidates and their supporters must enter the race with the possibility of both winning and losing. Our democracy should not appear to be up for auction to the highest bidder.”
Prior to the 2021 general elections, the National Consultative Forum (NCF) for political parties and organizations drafted a proposal to curb electoral financing, which ultimately did not pass in Parliament. Many young aspiring candidates have expressed frustration over the large sums of money required for elections, which disadvantages them.
A report by the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), titled “The Banknote Controlled Voter Consent,” revealed that the 2021 general elections were the most expensive in Uganda’s history. Political parties and candidates spent an estimated UGX 3,981,806,413,435 (US$ 1,076,163,895.52) over 15 months, making these elections the costliest ever.
ACFIM’s findings indicate that campaign spending began as early as November 2019 and continued through January 2021.
Election Violence
Justice Byabakama also condemned the election violence witnessed in previous polls. Despite the Commission’s commitment to free and fair elections, some actors disrupt the process with violence.
“We have observed a troubling trend where some individuals engage in violence during elections. Identifying and isolating these perpetrators is crucial for maintaining a peaceful electoral process. This responsibility falls on us as a nation,” Byabakama asserted.
He urged every citizen concerned with Uganda’s democratic future to take election violence seriously.
