Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued stricter guidelines regarding the display of election campaign materials across the country’s capital.
According to the guidelines unveiled Thursday by KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, all posters must first be approved by the authority and cannot exceed 0.9 meters by 0.6 meters in size.
They are strictly prohibited on schools, hospitals, churches, trees, and utility poles, while illuminated signage will only be permitted on licensed billboards.
Sound campaigns have also been capped at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with volume levels not exceeding 80 decibels.
To reduce littering, candidates have been discouraged from scattering loose-leaf fliers and instead urged to make use of designated notice boards.
“To curb littering, the authority has discouraged the use of fliers and loose-leaf materials. Candidates are encouraged to use designated notice boards, which will also make it easier to remove campaign tools after elections,” Buzeki said.
“Permit holders will be responsible for removing their campaign materials at the end of the election period.”
She further cautioned that violations—including unauthorized placement or defacing of rival posters—will be treated as illegal developments under the Physical Planning Act and the Building Control Act, with offenders risking fines or imprisonment.
The regulations have already sparked pushback from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, himself a 2026 contender, who questioned their legality.
“For KCCA to issue such regulations, they must be passed as an ordinance or form part of electoral law, debated and approved by council, and verified by the Attorney General. None of these steps have been taken,” Lukwago argued.
But Buzeki defended the move, stressing that the city cannot afford the chaos that has marred previous election seasons.
“These guidelines are intended to ensure order, safety, and respect for the city’s image as we head into the election season,” she emphasized.
KCCA says the new framework, supported by UN Habitat’s urban planning expertise, will prevent visual clutter, traffic hazards, and environmental degradation, while ensuring that campaign materials are removed once the polls close.
