EC UNVEILS ROADMAP, SETTING SEPTEMBER 17 FOR ADJUMANI WEST MP BY-ELECTION

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.

NILE POST

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially unveiled the roadmap for the Adjumani West Constituency parliamentary by-election, setting September 17, 2026, as polling day to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali.

The programme was launched on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Adjumani District Headquarters, led by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama.

The meeting brought together Electoral Commission officials, political leaders, security agencies, aspiring candidates, civil society organisations, religious leaders and members of the media to discuss preparations for the by-election.

Welcoming participants, Akao Eunice Christine, the Adjumani District Election Administrator and Returning Officer, said the meeting was intended to prepare all stakeholders for a transparent and credible electoral process.

“The reason for this stakeholders’ meeting is to bring to your attention the by-election for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Adjumani West Constituency, which has arisen following the death of the incumbent,” Akao said before inviting participants to observe a moment of silence in honour of the late Gen. Moses Ali.

She noted that Adjumani District has two parliamentary constituencies, nine sub-counties, two town councils, 56 parishes, 211 villages and 236 polling stations. She added that Adjumani West Constituency comprises five sub-counties, 23 parishes, 99 villages and 114 polling stations.

Akao also announced that elections for the Female Older Persons Representative for Pachara Sub-county will be conducted because no nominations were made during the 2025/2026 General Elections.

Justice Byabakama assured stakeholders that the Electoral Commission is fully committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections.

“We are committed to delivering a transparent electoral process. We call upon all candidates, political actors and voters to reject violence, avoid voter bribery and respect the electoral laws throughout the campaign and polling period,” he said.

The Commission announced that the update of the National Voters Register and voter transfers will be conducted from August 5 to 7, while the display of the voters register will take place from August 17 to 26.

Nomination of candidates is scheduled for September 7 and 8, campaigns will run from September 9 to 15, elections for the Female Older Persons Representative in Pachara Sub-county will be held on September 16, and polling for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat will take place on September 17.

During the interactive session, Adjumani District LCV Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo appealed to the Electoral Commission to deploy adequate personnel across polling stations. “We request the Electoral Commission to strengthen staffing during the election to ensure voters are served efficiently and the process runs smoothly,” Ambayo said.

Daniel Izale, one of the aspiring candidates recently endorsed by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns. “I appeal to my fellow candidates and supporters to maintain peace. Let us compete fairly and allow the people of Adjumani West to freely choose their next Member of Parliament,” Izale said.

Independent aspiring candidate Patrick Tandrupasi urged the Commission to provide equal treatment to all contestants. “The electoral playing field should be level for every candidate regardless of political affiliation. Fairness will strengthen public confidence in the election,” he said.

Another aspiring candidate, James Leku Pilli, called for greater transparency throughout the electoral process. “We want an open, transparent and accountable election so that every voter has confidence in the final outcome,” Pilli said.

Adjumani Deputy Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okware assured residents that security agencies were prepared to safeguard the electoral process. “Our security agencies are ready to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate and maintain peace,” Okware said.

Electoral Commission Commissioner Anthony Okello, who oversees the West Nile Region, encouraged eligible voters to actively participate in the democratic process. “I encourage all voters in Adjumani West to attend campaign rallies, listen to the candidates and turn up in large numbers on polling day to elect leaders who will effectively represent them,” Okello said.

The stakeholders’ meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which participants reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful campaigns and credible elections.

The Electoral Commission also outlined additional pre-election activities, including the recruitment and training of election officials, accreditation of party agents and observers, issuance of voter location slips, and harmonization of campaign schedules ahead of polling day.