Tame campaign spending before 2026

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 General Elections, one glaring issue is already dominating the political landscape, unregulated campaign spending. The country is in campaign mode even before nominations are officially open, and the amount of money being spent by aspiring candidates is alarming. From parliamentary hopefuls to district chairperson aspirants, it is becoming the norm for individuals to spend far more money on campaigns than they could ever earn in office. For example, many parliamentary candidates are spending more than their annual salary, while others vying for district leadership roles are spending amounts equivalent to two years of their official income. This trend not only raises concerns about fairness but also about the long-term consequences of such unsustainable financial practices in our politics.

Many candidates resort to selling personal property, taking out high-interest loans, or seeking funding from powerful individuals and groups with vested interests. This creates a cycle of indebtedness and political compromise. It also locks out the poor and working class from meaningful participation in electoral contests. Increasingly, politics in Uganda is becoming an exclusive arena for the rich, one where talent, vision, and public service take a backseat to wealth. To restore equity and integrity in Uganda’s electoral process, it is time to introduce meaningful campaign finance reform. A logical and fair starting point would be to legislate spending limits based on the salary of the elective position being sought.

For instance, if a Member of Parliament earns Shs20m per month, a candidate for that position should not be allowed to spend more than Shs240m on their campaign, equivalent to a year’s salary. Similarly, all elective offices should have capped campaign budgets, proportionate to their official remuneration. All candidates should be legally required to file post-election financial returns, including receipts and invoices, to verify compliance with the set limits. This approach would not only promote transparency but also prevent excessive and unethical spending. Several democracies around the world have successfully implemented campaign finance controls, offering Uganda practical models to learn from. In Canada, strict spending limits apply to both candidates and political parties.

These limits are based on the number of registered voters in a constituency, and public funding is provided to help level the playing field. Violations carry serious penalties, and transparency is central to the system. The United Kingdom enforces rigid campaign spending caps at both national and constituency levels. Candidates must submit detailed financial reports to the Electoral Commission. Any breach of the rules can result in fines or disqualification. This has helped keep campaign costs manageable and discouraged undue influence from wealthy donors. Even in Kenya, the Elections Campaign Financing Act, though not fully enforced yet, aims to limit the amount of money candidates and parties can spend.

The intention is to reduce the influence of money in politics and increase accessibility to public office. Failure to act will deepen inequality and erode democracy. When elected officials enter office burdened with debt or beholden to financiers, their ability to act independently and in the public interest is compromised. The temptation to embezzle public funds or misuse resources to repay campaign debts becomes stronger. Moreover, the current trajectory will continue to discourage capable young people, women, and candidates from less privileged backgrounds.

If the cost of entry remains too high, Uganda will lose out on a wealth of potential leadership. It is time for the Electoral Commission and Parliament to take this issue seriously. Clear spending limits must be set, enforced, and audited. These reforms would help level the playing field, reduce corruption, and allow Ugandans from all backgrounds to compete on the strength of their ideas, not the depth of their pockets. Let the 2026 elections be a turning point. If we want a democracy that works for everyone, we must start by ensuring that anyone can afford to participate in it.

Godfrey Sekisonge is a political analyst based in the UK.