The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a directive barring broadcasters and users of online communication platforms from declaring, announcing, or projecting election results from polling stations or any source other than the Electoral Commission (EC).
The Commission reminded all licensed broadcasters, online media operators and social media users of their legal obligations during the electoral period, warning against the dissemination of false, premature or unauthorised election results.
“The Electoral Commission is the only entity with the exclusive legal mandate to tally, declare and officially announce election results,” Nyombi Thembo the UCC Executive Director stated in the directive.
UCC said it has, in previous elections, observed cases where broadcasters and users of digital platforms announced false results allegedly originating from polling stations or unofficial sources, in violation of Uganda’s electoral and communications laws.
Under the directive, television stations, radio stations, online data communication service providers and individual users are strictly prohibited from declaring or publishing election results unless such results have been officially declared by the Electoral Commission.
Where broadcasters air results released by the EC, UCC requires them to ensure accuracy as reflected on official declaration forms, keep copies or audio-visual records of the declarations, and clearly remind audiences that the results are based on official EC records.
The Commission also warned broadcasters against airing speculative, projected or parallel results, including tallies attributed to political parties, agents, civil society organisations, random callers or unofficial reporters.
However, UCC clarified that broadcasters are still permitted to cover the electoral process through factual reporting on voting, counting and tallying procedures, publishing official EC statements, and conducting voter education and issue-based discussions—provided such coverage is accurate, impartial and non-inflammatory.
Nyombi Thembo further cautioned users of social media platforms that the same standards apply online, noting that the publication or sharing of false, misleading or inflammatory information is criminal under the Computer Misuse Act.
“Failure to comply with this directive shall constitute a breach of the law and broadcasting standards and may attract administrative and legal sanctions, including warnings, fines, suspension of broadcasts or prosecution,” he warned.
UCC has directed all broadcasters to disseminate the guidance to their editorial, programming and on-air staff and ensure strict compliance throughout the electoral period. Media houses and online platforms have also been encouraged to seek prior authorisation and accreditation from the Electoral Commission to enable access to official updates.
“The purpose of this directive is to protect the public against risks associated with premature or unauthorised declaration of election results,” Nyombi Thembo said, calling for full cooperation from all stakeholders.
