Masindi married couple to vie for same position in 2026

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A man and his wife in Uganda's western district of Masindi have revealed they will contest for the same village leadership position in the 2026 general elections.

Whatever the outcome, Christopher Tibegwa believes his marriage with Lydia Ayebale will remain intact.

Both of them are eyeing the LC1 chairperson position of Kimanya village in Budongo sub-county.

Tibegwa said he will try to talk it through with his wife but that in case they fail to harmonize their political aspirations, it will be the electorate to have their say via the ballot.

Ayebale got interested after being inspired by a civic education engagement organized by Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) on Tuesday.

During the event held at Kimanya Church of Uganda, women in Masindi district were encouraged to compete with men for direct elective positions in next year's general elections.

Paul Ajuna, the Electoral Commission supervisor for Budongo sub-county, said that much as women have positions reserved for them under the affirmative action, they are at liberty to contest at all direct elective positions.

These positions include Member of Parliament, district chairperson, direct councilor, and Local Council (LC) chairpersons.

Ajuna rallied women to challenge their male counterparts for elective roles.

It was during this engagement that participant Ayebale said had been motivated enough to contest for the position of LC1 chairperson of Kimanya village — alongside her husband.

Moreen Kyomuhendo, the project officer at FOWODE, said they organize civic education meetings to sensitize and engage the community members on their rights and why they should be involved in the election process.