By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
ISINGIRO
Former Bishop Stuart University Guild President, Akunda Best Arnold, has been struck off the ballot for Isingiro North County after the Electoral Commission (EC) ruled that his nomination papers did not meet the legal threshold.
In a report released on 19th December 2025, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama stated that Arnold’s nomination was void because his form contained only nine valid supporters instead of the required ten, in contravention of Section 28(1)(c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177.
“Accordingly, the decision of the returning officers in Isingiro Electoral District, in nominating Best Arnold Ankunda, is hereby quashed,” Justice Byabakama announced.
The ruling effectively nullifies Arnold’s candidacy under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket, leaving the race in Isingiro North reshaped just weeks before the polls.
Reacting to the verdict, Arnold dismissed the decision as unfair and politically motivated. He argued that the EC tribunal had earlier cleared him to campaign, only for the Commission to reverse its position.
“We won 100% in the EC tribunal meeting, got the green light to campaign, but now they’re pulling a fast one sending me a letter that we have been nullified and denominated from the race. What a joke,” Arnold said.
He questioned the credibility of the complainant’s testimony and criticized the reliance on recordings without further verification. Arnold suggested that the move was designed to pave the way for Minister Bright Rwamirama to run unopposed.
Arnold’s supporters have echoed his concerns, accusing local authorities of attempting to sideline opposition voices. In his statement, Arnold rallied constituents to resist what he described as a shift of power from the people to a few individuals.
“Isingiro North, wake up. They have not denominated me but you. They are shifting power from us to a few people in Isingiro North,” he declared.
The controversy has sparked heated debate in the constituency, with hashtags such as #SayNoToRwamirama’sDeeds and#SayNoToIsingiroDistrictRDCMsAddah’sDeeds circulating among his supporters.
With Arnold’s candidacy quashed, the political landscape in Isingiro North faces uncertainty. The ruling strengthens the position of incumbent Minister Bright Rwamirama, though Arnold has vowed to continue mobilizing his supporters and challenging the decision.
As the January elections draw closer, the EC’s ruling is expected to remain a flashpoint in Isingiro North, raising questions about fairness, transparency, and the balance of power in Uganda’s electoral process.
