Politics 30 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
EC Halts Swearing-In in 10 Namutumba Villages Amidst Election Petitions
The Electoral Commission has paused the inauguration of village leaders in 10 Namutumba District villages due to pending election petitions. These challenges cite issues like non-resident voting and alleged violence during the July 28th LCI elections. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ec-halts-swearing-in-of-leaders-in-10-namutumba-villages-over-election-petitions-5576866
The Electoral Commission (EC) has put a temporary hold on the swearing-in ceremonies for Local Council (LC) I chairpersons and their executives in ten villages across Namutumba District. This decision comes as a direct response to numerous election petitions filed by candidates who allege irregularities in the recent LCI elections held on July 28, 2026.
District Returning Officer Mica Ofubo confirmed that while swearing-in for leaders in other villages is proceeding, the ten affected areas will have to wait. The EC is currently reviewing the submitted complaints, which primarily revolve around accusations of non-residents participating in the voting and instances of violence on polling day.
Ofubo stated that the petitions have been forwarded to the EC headquarters in Kampala for adjudication. He could not provide a specific timeline for when these hearings would commence but assured that the review process is underway. The EC directive explicitly halts the swearing-in for leaders in these contested villages until the disputes are formally resolved.
Ofubo expressed skepticism regarding the merit of most complaints, suggesting that many lack sufficient evidence. He noted that claims about non-residents voting are difficult to substantiate after voter registers were displayed earlier without challenges. Similarly, allegations of violence often lack supporting documentation like police reports or medical forms. He advised aggrieved candidates to pursue legal avenues to challenge election outcomes, as the EC’s mandate is limited.
However, the situation remains contentious. Richard Mwanja, the NRM District Registrar, intends to sue the EC, alleging that some losing candidates, particularly from opposition parties, were declared winners. He is currently gathering evidence to support these claims.
Meanwhile, some candidates who believe they won but have not been sworn in question the EC’s decision, drawing parallels to parliamentary elections where results are often challenged but winners are still inaugurated. Residents also voiced concerns about the possibility of by-elections, fearing further violence and instability in their communities.