UCC Issues Strict Directive on Election Results Reporting, Mandates Exclusive Authority of Electoral Commission
KAMPALA — In a decisive move to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a comprehensive directive to all media outlets and online platform users, unequivocally prohibiting the declaration or dissemination of any election results not officially released by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The directive, dated January 7, 2026, and signed by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, reinforces the legal framework established by Uganda’s Constitution, electoral laws, and communications regulations. It comes as a pre-emptive measure against what the Commission described as past instances of “false election results” being announced from unauthorized sources.
Sole Authority of the Electoral Commission
The UCC emphasized that, under Ugandan law, the Electoral Commission (@UgandaEC) is the only entity with the exclusive legal mandate to tally, declare, and officially announce results from polling stations. Any declaration, projection, publication, or circulation of results from any other source—whether on radio, television, or online platforms—is now strictly prohibited.
Key Directives for Broadcasters
The directive outlines specific rules for licensed broadcasters (TV and radio):
- Absolute Prohibition: They are barred from declaring, announcing, publishing, or projecting any election results except those officially declared by the EC.
- Accuracy in Rebroadcasting: If broadcasting EC-announced results, they must present them exactly as on the official declaration form and retain a copy or recording as proof.
- No Speculation: Broadcasters must refrain from airing any projected, parallel, or unofficial tallies, including those attributed to political parties, agents, or random reports.
- Responsible Coverage: Permissible coverage includes factual updates on voting procedures, official EC statements, and voter education. All discussions must be accurate, impartial, and provide balanced representation from diverse political views.
Rules for Online Platforms and Social Media
Extending its authority to the digital sphere, the UCC reminded all users of online communication platforms—including social media account holders, group administrators, and discussion hosts—that the same standards apply.
· Publishing or sharing “inflammatory, inaccurate, misleading, false or fake information” is a criminal offense under the Computer Misuse Act.
· Social media group administrators are tasked with moderating content to prevent the spread of prohibited information.
Compliance and Sanctions
Failure to comply with this directive constitutes a breach of law and broadcasting standards. The UCC warned that administrative and legal sanctions, including warnings, fines, suspension of broadcasts, or prosecution, will be applied.
The Commission has directed all broadcasters to immediately disseminate this guidance to their staff and ensure strict adherence throughout the electoral period. It also encouraged media houses to seek prior accreditation from the Electoral Commission for seamless access to official information.
This directive underscores the Ugandan government’s intensified focus on controlling the narrative around election results in an increasingly digital age, aiming to prevent what it terms “the risk associated with premature or unauthorized declaration of results.”
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