KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for parliamentary elections in three constituencies where voting was earlier suspended, or annulled due to electoral irregularities.
EC chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama announced on Friday that the exercise is intended to complete the direct election of Members of Parliament in selected electoral areas within Kiryandongo, Ibanda and Alebtong districts.
It should be recalled that the EC suspended voting in Kibanda North Constituency in Kiryandongo District and Ibanda Municipality in Ibanda District after errors were detected on the ballot papers.
“The Commission established mismatches in the candidate particulars printed on the ballot papers, which rendered the materials invalid and necessitated the suspension of the polls,” Byabakama said.
Additionally, the Commission ordered a fresh election in 18 polling stations in Awei Sub-county, Ajuri county, Alebtong District, following complaints of vote rigging and inconsistencies in the tallying process during the initial polling exercise on January 15.
The disputed results originated from the parishes of Awiri, Acece, Ojul and Owalo, where the UPC, Fred Jalameso parliamentary candidate petitioned the EC, arguing that the declared results did not correspond with figures recorded at the respective polling stations.
At least five candidates are vying for Ajuri county MP seat. They are incumbent Denis Hamson Obua (NRM), Fred Jalameso (UPC), Emmanuel Ongom Okwel (FDC), and independents Stephen Omara and Jasper Molo.
UPC’s Jalameso is the leading candidate with 14,331 votes (44.5%) against Obua’s 12,963 votes (40.25%), according to the results announced by the Albetong Returning Officer, Jessica Ochen. The results were however disputed after it was found that the returning officer irregularly handled the tallying process. According to reports, only 160 out of the 178 polling stations in Ajuri county were tallied, while the 18 were not included.
Jalameso said the figures announced in those (18) polling stations did not correspond with declaration forms issued to his agents and those of other candidates, prompting him to petition the EC to declare him a duly elected MP without going for re-election which he says is unconstitutional.
“I will not accept a re-election. The conditions that warrant a rerun did not arise on polling day. What I am demanding is an official declaration,” he said, claiming he won Obua by more than 500 votes. He said he obtained an additional 766 votes from the disputed polling stations, bringing his total to 15,097 votes, compared to Obua’s adjusted total of 14,591.
But, the EC didn’t kowtow to Jalameso’s demands, ordering for fresh polls in the disputed polling stations.
“Polling stations will open at 7:00am and close at 4:00pm on Tuesday. Voting will take place at all polling stations in Ibanda Municipality and Kibanda North Constituency, as well as the 18 affected stations in Awei Sub-county,” EC announced.
The Commission has urged all political parties, candidates and voters to comply with electoral laws and guidelines to ensure a peaceful, free and fair exercise.
Justice Byabakama said the EC remains committed to delivering a credible electoral process and called on security agencies, election officials and stakeholders to play their respective roles professionally during the polls.
