EC launches Kikuube byelection as parties urged to prepare flag bearers

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Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has called on political parties intending to field candidates in the Kikuube district by-election to prepare their flag bearers as soon as possible.

Byabakama made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Monday (April 27), as he launched the Kikuube district by-election scheduled for June 10, 2026, to fill the LC5 chairperson position, which fell vacant following the death of district boss Peter Banura.

Banura, the son of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza died on April 4, 2026, after he was hit by a fast-moving commuter taxi in Butyamba-Kamusunsi village, Kiziranfumbi town council, on Hoima-Fort Road.

Residents who included LCI and 3 chairpersons attending the meeting that was chaired by Justic Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the chairman for electoral commission. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

The meeting, held at Kikuube district headquarters, aimed to help stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities during the election.

While addressing the meeting, Byabakama said Kikuube district is facing a leadership vacuum due to the absence of a district chairperson, noting that the term of office for the current leadership ends on May 12, 2026.

He said the Electoral Commission needs to conduct the by-election as soon as possible to address the gap and urged political parties to prepare their flag bearers early to ease the process.

He added that the selection of candidates to represent political parties should be completed early to avoid delays and disruption of the nomination exercise scheduled for May 25 to 26, 2026.

He assured stakeholders that the Electoral Commission is ready to deliver a free and fair election, but challenged all involved to adhere to electoral guidelines and regulations.

Byabakama warned against ferrying and registering people from neighbouring districts during the update of the National Voters Register, scheduled from April 28 to 30, 2026.

He noted that only residents of Kikuube district have the right to participate in the by-election, adding that those intending to contest must be Ugandan citizens and residents of the district.

He also cautioned supporters and aspirants against engaging in acts that could lead to election violence, such as provocation, abuse, blackmail and physical attacks.

He urged candidates to focus on persuading voters through their manifestos rather than seeking support based on sectarianism or tribalism.

He revealed that Kikuube district currently has 330 polling stations with over 143,000 registered voters, expressing optimism that the number could increase after the register update.

He added that biometric machines will be used to prevent vote rigging.

He emphasised that the Commission is committed to peaceful elections and called on district leaders to sensitise the public on the importance of non-violence.

Kikuube district returning officer Emmanuel Twine said voter update officers had already been recruited and urged unregistered residents to take part in the exercise.

He also called on stakeholders to follow electoral rules and use lawful means to address grievances.

Kikuube district resident commissioner Godwine Agalia and district vice chairperson Opio Vicente commended the Electoral Commission for providing a roadmap to fill the vacant LC5 position.

Brig. Gen. Omero Tingira Irumba (second right), EC Boss Justic Simon Byabakama Mugenyi (fourth right) posing for a photo with Kikuube leaders and residents after the meeting. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

They said district leaders would support the Commission to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election.

National security task force cluster head for Kikuube district, Brig. Gen. Omero Tingira Irumba Ateenyi cautioned the youth against election-related violence.

“We’ll deploy forces to ensure voters cast ballots freely. Those planning to cause chaos should know we’re prepared,” he said.

He also called for strict follow-up on electoral offences to ensure offenders are held accountable and to deter future violations.