Zombo: Alarm Grows Over Vandalism of Political Campaign Materials

By Mike Rwothomio

Authorities in Zombo district have issued a stern warning in response to widespread reports of vandalism targeting political campaign materials, particularly posters, as political actors vie for dominance ahead of key elections.

The deliberate destruction of campaign posters is a well-documented tactic used to suppress opponents’ visibility and influence within Uganda’s polarized political arena.

Candidates frequently report their posters being torn down or obscured by rivals, despite significant financial investments in their campaigns.

Bruno Manano, Zombo’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), condemned the illegal practice, announcing a UGX 50,000 reward for information or evidence leading to the arrest of those responsible.

“A bounty of UGX 50,000 has been set for anyone who provides credible information or apprehends individuals involved in destroying campaign materials,” Manano told this publication on May 8, 2025.

Bruno Manano Ubomba, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo noted that the practice had surged in Zombo and Paidha Town councils.photo/ Mike Rwothomio.

This escalation coincides with intensified preparations for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries scheduled for July 2025, a critical precursor to the 2026 general elections.

Politicians have begun affixing posters to homes, trees, utility poles, billboards, and roundabouts to bolster their campaigns.

The vandalism has surged in Zombo and Paidha town councils, where political contestation is intensifying, according to local authorities.

The defacement of campaign materials remains a persistent challenge in Uganda, particularly during election cycles, fueled by deep-seated political divisions, limited civic awareness, and inconsistent enforcement of electoral laws.

Amos Jacan, Zombo’s District Youth Chairperson and a candidate for LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Town Council, voiced concerns over the practice, urging candidates to seek permission from property owners before displaying posters.

 “I call on my fellow politicians to secure consent from building owners to avoid unauthorized removals. Regardless, this is an unlawful act we must reject,” Jacan emphasized.

Local leaders attribute the vandalism to inadequate civic education and a lack of awareness about electoral laws. Some perpetrators may not perceive defacing posters as a serious offense, acting out of ignorance or partisan fervor. Weak enforcement further emboldens such behavior, with arrests and prosecutions remaining sporadic.

Hassan Ringtho, Zombo’s Council Speaker, expressed dismay over the reports, condemning those responsible and calling for accountability.

Historically, urban centers like Gulu and Kampala have witnessed fierce competition for prime campaign spaces, with teams vying for control of high-visibility locations such as roundabouts and public walls, often resulting in the removal or defacement of rivals’ materials.

What the law say

Legal Framework Governing Campaign Vandalism in Uganda

Ugandan electoral law explicitly prohibits the defacement of campaign materials, classifying it as a criminal offense.

The Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, under Section 83(2), stipulates that “any person who maliciously defaces, removes, or tears any election poster of a nominated candidate commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding thirty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.”

Similar provisions under the Presidential Elections Act impose fines of up to UGX 480,000 or imprisonment for up to one year for defacing campaign materials.

The Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force are tasked with enforcing these laws, but inconsistent application undermines their effectiveness.

Challenges such as insufficient evidence, fear of retaliation among victims, and alleged complicity by some authorities hinder robust prosecution.

Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, Festus Ayikobua, recently cautioned candidates against engaging in politics rooted in hate, division, or sectarianism, advocating for constructive and inclusive political discourse.

Assistant RDC Manano urged constituents to report incidents of vandalism, warning that unchecked behavior could escalate into the 2026 general elections. “If we don’t curb this trend now, it risks spiraling out of control during the national polls,” he cautioned.

Political analysts argue that while Uganda’s legal framework, including the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Acts, clearly criminalizes campaign vandalism, lax enforcement undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Candidates face disproportionate barriers to maintaining campaign visibility, threatening the principles of free and fair elections.

Stakeholders emphasize the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, enhanced civic education, and impartiality from security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa