Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Simon Byabakama has reiterated the Commission’s directive urging voters to cast their ballots and leave polling stations peacefully on Election Day, January 15, 2026, as part of efforts to prevent overcrowding and maintain public order.

Byabakama said the “vote and go home” guidance is intended to ensure a smooth electoral process and allow election officials to carry out vote counting and tallying without interference.

“The Commission has consistently advised voters to exercise their right to vote and then return home,” Byabakama said, emphasizing that the presence of voters at polling stations after voting hours is not provided for under electoral laws.

Notably, the “vote and go home” directive was first publicly issued by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who cited security concerns and the need to avoid unnecessary gatherings at polling stations. The guidance was later reinforced by the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who stated that only authorized election officials, security personnel, and duly accredited polling agents are legally permitted to remain at polling stations during the counting process.

The Electoral Commission subsequently adopted and formalized the directive as part of its Election Day guidelines.

However, the position has been challenged by opposition political parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), which has raised concerns over the credibility and transparency of the vote-counting process. During campaign rallies and public engagements, NUP leaders have been telling their supporters to remain at polling stations after voting in order to “protect their vote.”

The EC has dismissed these calls, insisting that the law provides for party and candidate polling agents to observe the entire voting and counting process on behalf of voters. According to the Commission, any unauthorized presence at polling stations after voting risks disrupting the electoral process and could pose security challenges.

As the January 15 polls draw closer, the “vote and go home” directive continues to be a point of contention, reflecting wider debates over electoral transparency, public trust, and security in Uganda’s electoral process.