Politics
Three candidates cleared as Adjumani West byelection nominations begin
Adjumani district election administrator and returning officer Eunice Christine Akao said the exercise was progressing smoothly, with two more candidates expected to be nominated on Tuesday.
Trandrupasi Patrick, nominated by EC's Akao. (Photo by Doreen Tasia)
By: Doreen Tasia, Journalist @New Vision
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The Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced nominations for the Adjumani West parliamentary byelection, with three independent aspirants cleared on the first day of the exercise.
The nominations are being conducted from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Electoral Commission offices in Adjumani and will end on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The three independent candidates nominated on Monday are Patrick Tandrupasi, Gasper Draga and Ben Anyama.
Adjumani district election administrator and returning officer Eunice Christine Akao said the exercise was progressing smoothly, with two more candidates expected to be nominated on Tuesday.
"The constituency has 51,438 voters; we have successfully nominated three independent candidates who have all adhered to the guidelines," Akao said.
Tandrupasi, who has contested for the seat in the past, said he was grateful to his supporters for standing by him.
"This is my third time contesting for the same position; I want to thank my supporters for waiting. My message to them is that I will rescue them from the greedy and corrupt leaders. I promise to bring economic transformation through agriculture and coffee production once elected," Patrick Tandrupasi said.
Anyama, who lost last week's National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, expressed optimism about the forthcoming election.
"The constituency has 51,438 voters; we have successfully nominated three independent candidates who have all adhered to the guidelines," Akao said.
Tandrupasi, who has contested for the seat in the past, said he was grateful to his supporters for standing by him.
"This is my third time contesting for the same position; I want to thank my supporters for waiting. My message to them is that I will rescue them from the greedy and corrupt leaders. I promise to bring economic transformation through agriculture and coffee production once elected," Patrick Tandrupasi said.
Anyama, who lost last week's National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, expressed optimism about the forthcoming election.
"My belief in the Independent Electoral Commission is that it is true and fair; the truth will be revealed on September 17, 2026. I urge my supporters to remain calm and respect other candidates in the elections," Anyama explained.
The remaining aspirants have until Tuesday to complete the nomination process ahead of the September 17, 2026, parliamentary by-election, which will determine a successor to the late Gen. Moses Ali, one of Adjumani West's longest-serving political leaders.
Two more candidates are expected to be nominated, including NRM flag bearer James Pili Leku.
According to Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, candidates must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, registered voters and holders of at least an A-Level certificate or its equivalent.
Mucunguzi said candidates are also required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of sh3m.
The remaining aspirants have until Tuesday to complete the nomination process ahead of the September 17, 2026, parliamentary by-election, which will determine a successor to the late Gen. Moses Ali, one of Adjumani West's longest-serving political leaders.
Two more candidates are expected to be nominated, including NRM flag bearer James Pili Leku.
According to Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, candidates must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, registered voters and holders of at least an A-Level certificate or its equivalent.
Mucunguzi said candidates are also required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of sh3m.