Politics 12 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Over 500 petitions flood EC as Museveni orders intervention in disputed LC1 polls
The Electoral Commission (EC) is overwhelmed with over 500 petitions following the recent Local Council I (LC1) elections, citing widespread allegations of violence and irregularities. President Museveni has directed state intervention to address the mounting grievances. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ec-swamped-by-over-500-lc1-petitions-as-museveni-orders-intervention-in-disputed-polls-5555996
The Electoral Commission (EC) is facing a significant challenge with more than 500 petitions submitted in the wake of the recently concluded Local Council I (LC1) elections. These grassroots polls, held across Uganda, have been marred by numerous complaints, including accusations of violence, procedural errors, and disputed outcomes.
The extent of the dissatisfaction was highlighted during a meeting in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, where community members expressed their frustrations with the election process. Minister for Local Government, Mr. Balaam Barugahara, revealed that veteran politician Gertrude Njuba lodged a petition with both the President and the EC concerning the Nangabo LC1 election, citing severe irregularities and violence.
Responding to the growing unrest, President Yoweri Museveni has ordered immediate state intervention to resolve the disputes. “The President directed me to come here and address these issues immediately. We have to concentrate on the 500 cells where elections were not conducted fairly and ensure that the concerns are resolved,” Mr. Barugahara stated.
One particularly contentious race is in Nangabo village, where 20-year-old Tracy Nalugwa Kibuuka was declared the winner amidst controversy. A resolution was reached for local party leaders, under Ms. Njuba’s guidance, to review the Nangabo dispute first. Minister Barugahara urged all aggrieved parties to use official channels for their complaints and pursue peaceful resolutions.
Mr. Abubakar Kayondo from the EC confirmed that the commission is actively reviewing the reported results against ground realities. “We have so far received more than 500 petitions concerning the LC1 elections. More than 300 cases have been reviewed, and Nangabo is among the key petitions,” he said. The EC’s legal team is considering options such as by-elections, court referrals, or fresh polls in disputed areas. The commission assures that all petitions will be processed efficiently to uphold public trust in the democratic process.