The Electoral Commission has announced that there will be no mass rallies for the 2021 general elections campaigns. The Chairperson of the commission, Justice Simon Byabakama told journalists that the age-old culture in the elections period will be carried out through the media as a health guideline against COVID-19

The Electoral commission chairperson was speaking in a press conference on the resumption of electoral activities under the revised road map for 2020/21 general elections. This after the preliminary activities of the of the roadmap were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the government of Uganda to declare a lockdown.

“As a result of the postponement, the electoral commission has lost 3 months of critical roadmap activities,” Justice Byabakama noted.

The Electoral Commission will issue guidelines on how the electoral process will be handled in a safe manner that will not lead to the mass spread of COVID-19. According to the Chairperson, the commission has already adopted standard operating procedures with the aid of the ministry of health to facilitate safe participation.

“The commission will issue specific guidelines for each electoral activity under this revised roadmap in due course and will engage with various stakeholders on the same,” Justice Byabakama said.

Activities for the revised roadmap will begin on 22nd June 2020 with political parties identifying flag bearers which will closely be followed by the deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate in Special interest Groups committees elections.

Nomination for candidates for the Presidential elections will happen on 2nd and 3rd November 2020 and campaigns will start on 28th September for local government. Parliamentary elections campaigns will start on 20th October 2020 to 8th January 2021 . And, Presidential elections campaigns will stretch from 10th November 2020 to 8th January 2021.

Polling period for the general elections will stretch from 10th January - 8th February 2021.

2021 General Elections Roadmap

1.

Political Party and Organisations to identify flag bearers

22nd June - 21st July 2020

2.

Deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees Elections

29th June 2020

3.

Nomination of Village SIGs (Older Persons, Persons with Disability and Youth) Committees Candidates (see attached detailed for progressive levels up to National)

5th August 2020

4.

Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Local Government

7th July 2020

5.

Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Parliamentary Elections

11th August 2020

6.

Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Presidential Elections

1st September 2020

7.

Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Parliamentary Elections

12th July 2020

8.

Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Local Government Councils Elections

6th August 2020

9.

Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for SIG Representative to Parliament

7th August 2020

10.

Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Presidential Elections

31st October 2020

11.

Period for nomination of candidates for Local Governments, including SIGs

7th - 17th September 2020

12.

Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections

12th - 13th October 2020

13.

Nomination of Candidates for Presidential Elections

2nd - 3rd November 2020

14.

Harmonisdation of Campaign Programme and Signing of Memorandum

4th - 9th November 2020

15.

Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Local Government

28th September 2020 –

8th January 2021

16.

Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Parliamentary Elections

20th October 2020 –

8th January 2021

17.

Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Presidential Elections

10th November 2020 –

8th January 2021

18.

Polling period for General Elections (exact polling dates to be appointed in due course)

10th January - 8th February 2021