The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has cautioned radio and television broadcasters against allowing unsuccessful election candidates to use their platforms to dispute officially declared election results.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the regulator said it has noted a growing trend in which some candidates in parliamentary and local government elections are making sensational and unverified claims on broadcast media to challenge electoral outcomes.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo emphasized that the Electoral Commission remains the sole constitutional authority mandated to declare election results in Uganda.
He stressed that candidates dissatisfied with election outcomes must seek redress through legally established channels rather than resorting to media platforms.
“Those dissatisfied with election outcomes must seek redress through the courts by filing election petitions within the legally prescribed timelines,” Nyombi said.
The Commission warned that broadcast media should not be used as alternative forums for litigating electoral disputes, noting that airing unverified results, parallel vote tallies, or speculative allegations is unlawful.
“Broadcasting unverified results or parallel tallies can cause public panic, confusion, and erode trust in democratic institutions,” Nyombi said, adding that such actions may also incite unrest and harm the country’s democratic standing.
UCC has directed all broadcasters to refrain from airing any content that disputes officially declared election results without proper verification from the Electoral Commission.
The directive also prohibits programmes that promote unofficial results or unsubstantiated claims, and calls for strict editorial oversight to ensure all election-related information is verified against official sources.
Nyombi warned that the Commission will take enforcement action against any broadcaster found in violation of the directive.
“UCC will not hesitate to take decisive action against stations that breach these laws and guidelines,” he said.
The regulator further urged media owners, editors, and the public to use broadcast platforms responsibly in a manner that promotes national unity, public order, and democratic integrity.
