Category: Daily Monitor

After being defeated in nine of the twelve districts that constitute Busoga sub-region in the 2021 presidential elections, the ruling party NRM supporters went back to the drawing board to avoid similar misfortunes in the forthcoming polls.

The political ground for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Mr Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, appears to have changed positively as January 15 elections approach.

The Iganga District NRM chairperson, Mr Abubaker Walubi, who also serves as the chairperson of NRM chairpersons in this sub-region, noted that the shift in support for the party has been prompted by a number of factors.

According to Mr Walubi, a meeting was held to evaluate what went wrong for the party to perform badly in a region where strong support was routine during every general election.

Mr Walubi explained that taking people for granted that supporting NRM was their duty had caused problems, so this time people were asked to stop laxity in looking for votes.

“As a matter of fact, the support for NRM in Busoga has increased, but there is no miracle in this because we discovered that last time we took people for granted. However, in our meeting, a resolution to keep campaigns on the ground was reached,” Mr Walubi said. “As I speak now, whoever started the vote soliciting has remained in touch with the people.”

Mr Walubi pointed out the idea of stopping UPDF soldiers from mistreating people, especially fishermen on the water bodies that cover some parts of Busoga. He cited the last-minute unity among leaders in Busoga.

“In the beginning, we were working in isolation as Busoga NRM leaders, but we are now speaking the same language as campaigns near the end. This unity has brought our candidates back into the game of winning,” Mr Walubi observed. “For sure, if elections were held today, no one can defeat us.”

Mr Walubi highlighted that several Health Centre IIs and IIIs have been upgraded in different districts of Busoga and equipped with drugs, which has softened people’s hearts in favor of NRM.

Mr Walubi disclosed that, as in other parts of the country, allowing local leaders to manage NRM campaigns, coupled with the Parish Development Model cash benefits and Emyoga money, has cemented support for NRM compared to the previous elections.

Mr Medi Ntuuyo, the Jinja City NRM General Secretary, indicated that the appointment of people from Busoga to top government offices has also leveled the playing field for NRM.

“For the first time in history, Kampala Capital City Authority has an Executive Director and Deputy from Busoga,” Mr Ntuuyo said.

“They have been appointed alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey Kibenge; the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority; the Executive Director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, Ms Ziriya Wako; the PS of the Ministry of Works, Mr. Bageya Waiswa; and the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Mr Farouk Kirunda, among others, whom campaigners are referring to in order to encourage people to vote for NRM.”

Mr Ntuuyo added that facilitation for the campaigners has now reached the people in Busoga, unlike during the previous election when the Kampala-based team failed to deliver the funds.

Mr Ntuuyo added that the setting of a minimum price for sugarcane and the subsequent abolition of the five percent tax levy on sugarcane farmers’ trash by the millers has increased support for NRM, as most people are involved in sugarcane growing as a cash crop, unlike in the previous election when the price per tonne of sugarcane was below Shs100,000 compared to the current price of Shs125000.

Mr Rogers Kiduma, the Kaliro Assistant Resident District Commissioner, cited fulfilled pledges as one of the factors boosting NRM’s fortunes in Busoga. President Museveni promised to construct Sakka Bridge along the Kaliro-Pallisa road, which is now complete.

“Residents here are happy and ready to vote for NRM because of this,” Mr. Kiduma said.

Mr Kiduma emphasized that extending electricity to rural areas, as a fulfilled pledge, has created significant election opportunities for NRM in Kaliro.

According to Mr. Kiduma, electricity in Kaliro villages is being seen as a miracle, as locals believed it was only for town residents, so voting for NRM is their way of showing appreciation. Mr Kiduma attributed the alleged increase in support to the appointment and deployment of many RDCs from the Busoga region.

The Jinja Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Kawuta, cited President Museveni’s reconciliation with First Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rebecca Kadaga as the final factor in reviving NRM’s fortunes in Busoga.

Mr Kawuta stressed that Ms. Kadaga’s call for residents to support NRM has filled many gaps in Busoga’s political landscape.

“Opposition parties were exploiting the political gaps between the president and Ms. Kadaga to penetrate Busoga, but when Ms. Kadaga came out to tell people to forget what happened during the central executive elections and support NRM, its momentum began to grow,” Mr Kawuta said.

He noted that the empowerment of ghetto boys and masters of ceremonies in the Busoga region has also been used as a tactic to gather support for the party.

Mr Kawuta revealed that all MCs in Busoga promote the NRM message at the events they manage, helping people develop a positive attitude toward the party.

Mr Kawuta recalled that in previous campaigns, all the ghetto boys supported the opposition, but with the empowerment they have received, they have limited their association with the opposition.

The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, but in 2026, this essential space is undergoing a revolution.

The frantic, high-stress cooking hub is giving way to a sanctuary of calm, efficiency, and intentional design. The new wave of appliances and design principles is not about adding more gadgets but creating a space that feels as good as it functions. This year, luxury is measured not in sparkle, but in serenity, sustainability, and a seamless fit with daily life.

According to designers, today’s kitchen appliances are curated to perform brilliantly while supporting a sense of well-being.

‘The right appliances elevate the way your bespoke kitchen looks, works, and feels,’ notes interior decorator Sarah Musoke. ‘It is about creating a calm space that feels like part of the living area, not a separate, noisy utility room’.

These core qualities are defining the 2026 kitchen.

1. The pursuit of a quiet kitchen

In open-plan living space, the clamor of a spinning dishwasher or a roaring extractor fan can disrupt the entire home’s ambiance. That is why quiet operation is a top priority. Brands are now engineering appliances to minimise noise through brushless motors, advanced insulation, and low-vibration technology.

Certification programmes such as Quiet Mark help identify the quietest products on the market, with certified models now spanning the price spectrum. The benefits extend beyond comfort. Alex Obonyo an electronics dealer explains: ‘Quiet performance and convenience are becoming the new standard,’ transforming the kitchen from a disruptive zone into a tranquil, integrated part of daily life.

2. Seamless design

The quest for calm extends to visual harmony. Integrated appliances that blend with cabinetry are now essential for a streamlined, premium look. The trend is evolving from simply ‘built-in’ to ‘flush inset,’ where appliances sit perfectly on the same plane as the surrounding cabinets, creating a truly seamless appearance.

This approach creates clean lines and unobstructed sightlines, making spaces feel larger and more organised. It is especially transformative in open-concept homes, where the kitchen is always on display. Achieving this look requires careful planning upfront, as Musoke advises: ‘Appliances play a really key function in deciding the layout of a kitchen, which is often overlooked.’

3.Smarter, more compact appliances

For homes of all sizes, multifunctionality is the key to an uncluttered and luxurious feel. The goal is to have fewer, smarter appliances that perform multiple roles perfectly. Popular combinations now merge a microwave, oven, and air fryer into a single unit, or offer induction hobs with integrated downdraft extraction.

For instance, a Combi Oven Microwave works as convection, grill, microwave, air frying and replaces two to three countertop appliances and frees up space. This trend towards compact power is the foundation of the ‘micro-luxury’ kitchen, which proves that premium living can thrive in small spaces through intentional, high-performance choices.

4. Smart tech that helps

Smart technology has matured, moving away from novelty features toward practical, helpful assistance. The focus is on achieving better results with less guesswork. Think steam ovens with sensors for perfectly moist fish, ovens with guided cooking recipes on a touchscreen, or induction hobs that automatically adjust heat when a pot is moved.

‘This ‘discreet intelligence’ simplifies routines rather than complicating them. Connected features support everyday use, and adaptive programmes help reduce both wasted energy and wasted food by offering precise cooking cycles,’ Akena says. The technology works for you in the background, making expert techniques accessible to all.

5. Longevity and efficiency as luxury

Sustainability is now a core expectation, not a niche concern. Homeowners seek durability, energy efficiency, and lower environmental impact without sacrificing performance. This aligns with a shift toward investing in premium appliances designed to last for decades, thereby reducing waste from frequent replacements. Sustainability, in this sense, is a dual investment; in a healthier planet and in a kitchen that remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

6. Space as a strategy

Even in smaller kitchens, luxury is not being sacrificed. The ‘micro-luxury’ trend maximises comfort, convenience, and style in compact spaces through intelligent design. This involves multi-purpose islands, space-saving cabinetry and slim, sigh-performance appliances.

Tension has risen in Namutumba District, particularly in Bukono constituency, as parliamentary campaigns enter the final days before voting on January 15.

Police and candidates have expressed concern over rising campaign violence, fights, intimidation, and growing hostility among rival camps.

The situation worsened following a violent campaign incident on Saturday at Namakoko Trading Center, Nangonde Sub-County in Bukono constituency.

Supporters of Bukono candidate Ms Persis Namuganza (State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development), allegedly stormed a political rally organized by her rivals, Mr Maganda Emmanuel Katoko and Namutumba District Woman MP Ms Naigaga Mariam, leaving three people injured.

Namutumba District Police Commander (DPC), Mr Mwammad Rashid Byansi, said six people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“We have arrested some people in connection with last weekend’s Namakoko incident. Investigations are ongoing, and they will face the law,” he said.

A security meeting was held to address the issue, and police have banned candidates from ferrying supporters in large convoys to meetings and rallies. The DPC warned candidates that this practice fuels violence and intimidation.

“We have learned that candidates ferry supporters on vehicles and carry big sticks, ready to fight and harm rival supporters,” he said.

Some candidates have expressed concerns about the use of Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) machines, fearing they could be programmed to favor certain contenders.

“We want the EC to provide a solution, especially when BVVK machines fail due to technical issues or operator errors,” said Mr Abdhalla Wante Jamali.

The police ban on ferrying supporters has been welcomed by some candidates, who say it will help reduce fighting.

“Candidates from other political parties like NUP, FDC, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and others are disciplined and know what to do,” said Mr Abdhalla Kasalawo, FDC candidate for Busiki constituency

Religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have issued a pastoral letter urging citizens to act responsibly, peacefully, and with national interest in mind as the country heads into next week’s general elections.

In the 11-page pastoral letter, clerics drawn from all major faiths called on voters to reflect carefully on their choices, warning that decisions made at the ballot box carry far-reaching consequences for the country.

“We are writing this pastoral guide to remind one another of our responsibilities at such a crucial time in the life of our nation,” the religious leaders said. They urged voters to be prayerful, sober, and mindful of the broader implications of their decisions beyond personal interests.

“We therefore implore all citizens, as the primary stakeholders in this process, to be prayerful, sober, and mindful of the far-reaching implications of their choices. Let each voter weigh their decisions not only in light of personal interest, but also in light of the common good, national unity, and the dignity of every Ugandan,” the letter reads.

The clerics cautioned against actions that could plunge the country back into instability, recalling Uganda’s troubled past marked by political, ethnic, religious, regional, and economic divisions.

“Our country carries wounds that are political, ethnic, religious, regional, economic, and generational. Many of these divisions are rooted in history and structural injustice that cannot be fully addressed at the ballot box alone,” they said, adding that there is a need to revive the spirit of national dialogue.

Beyond voters, the religious leaders also addressed other key stakeholders in the electoral process, including the Electoral Commission, candidates, political parties, the media, security agencies, Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary.

“We underscore the grave responsibility carried by other stakeholders in this period. Their actions must be guided by the national Constitution,” the clerics said.

Ugandans will go to the polls on Thursday next week to elect the President and Members of Parliament. The presidential race has attracted eight candidates, among them incumbent Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).

Other contenders are Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party, Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party, Elton John Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party.

According to the Electoral Commission, a total of 83,597 candidates were nominated to compete for 45,505 positions in the presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.

In their concluding remarks, the clerics urged citizens to appreciate the weight of the decisions they will make during the polls.

“This is mainly because of the concerns and fears that you have expressed to us, and the feeling that these elections might mark a watershed in our political journey,” they said.

The pastoral letter was signed by leaders of major religious denominations, including Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda, Mufti Ramadhan Mubaje, Bishop Anthony Zziwa of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church, and Pastor Samuel Kajoba of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda.

The second Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali, has dismissed media reports suggesting that his health has deteriorated to the extent that his doctor advised him to choose between his life and active politics.

The veteran politician described the allegations as baseless propaganda aimed at undermining his political career ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Gen Ali said he was unaware of such medical advice.

He claimed that his last trip to Germany was in October 2024 and that he has not consulted any doctor there this year.

‘I want to thank you for coming to me directly. I am not aware of any doctor advising me to abandon politics. I have not been to Germany this year; I only travelled there in October 2024,’ Gen Ali stated, brushing off the claims as deliberate misinformation.

Gen Ali also addressed reports of an alleged court case filed against him by writer and human rights activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, seeking to nullify his nomination to contest in the upcoming elections.

He said he had neither received a court summons nor been served with any legal documents related to such a petition.

‘I have not received any court order or summons, so I am not aware of the alleged case. And why only me? Am I the only elderly person in Parliament?’ he asked, questioning what he described as selective targeting.

His political aide and campaign team leader, Mr Gabu Amacha, echoed Gen Ali’s sentiments, dismissing the health and legal claims as political gimmicks by opponents seeking to discredit a strong candidate.

‘This is pure political mischief by people who wish him ill. I am the head of his campaign team, and we continue to receive overwhelming support from voters. God willing, we shall win this election. This is not the first time such propaganda has been used against him,’ Amacha said.

He added that despite the rumors surrounding Gen Ali’s health, the general remains active and energetic on the campaign trail. ‘You saw him dancing with the people. The crowds are happy, and the love for him is clear,’ he noted.

Amacha further pointed to Gen Ali’s performance in the NRM primary elections as evidence of his popularity, saying that he defeated three rivals by a wide margin. ‘Even when you combine the votes of the three candidates who contested against him, they do not reach half of what Gen Ali got,’ he said.

At a public rally in Ukusijoni Sub-county, voters expressed mixed reactions. Ms Gloria Mundua Chandia, a resident of the area, said she strongly supports Gen Ali, arguing that no other candidate can effectively represent the constituency.

‘He is close to the President. If there is an issue affecting us, he can easily raise it directly. The other candidates are not known to the President. We still want him to remain in that seat,’ Chandia said.

However, not all voters shared the same view. Mr Peter Adebasiku, who identified himself as an opposition supporter, said it was time for change. ‘We don’t want to be represented by old people anymore. This time, we are entrusting Mr Patrick Tandrupasi with his visionary leadership, commitment and energy to take our community to new heights,’ he said.

Background

Lawyer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, together with human rights defender Ssuna James Kiggala, through Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates, reportedly petitioned the Constitutional Court, naming the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the Electoral Commission, the Attorney General and Gen Moses Ali as respondents.

The petitioners argue that Gen Ali’s nomination and endorsement to contest for re-election allegedly violate citizens’ constitutional right to effective and accountable representation.

They claim that the Electoral Commission officially nominated Gen Ali on October 22, 2025, as the NRM flag bearer for Adjumani West after he secured 8,609 votes in the party primaries, despite what they describe as health-related concerns.

They further contend that both the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General failed in their constitutional duties by approving and facilitating the nomination of a person they allege is incapable of effectively executing the functions of a legislator.

In the 2026 general elections, Gen Moses Ali is set to face three challengers, including his closest rival, Mr Patrick Tandrupasi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

In the 2021 general elections, Tandrupasi garnered 6,891 votes compared to Gen Ali’s 10,227, setting the stage for another closely watched contest in Adjumani West.

Parents of a 19-year-old man who was beaten to death by a group of recently recruited election special police constables and police officers in Kamuli District are seeking justice.

Denis Sibira, a resident of Bugobi Zone, Busimba Ward, Namwendwa Town Council, was laid to rest in Namwendwa on January 3, 2026, following his attack on January 1, 2025.

The family wants a thorough and speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sibira’s death and the errant officers to be held accountable.

Sibira’s father, Mr Ronald Kamali, attributed his son’s death to the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Namwendwa Police Station, whom he said has a history of conflict and poor relations with the community.

‘The OC refuses to delegate to junior officers and even goes as far as arresting female suspects. We are fed up with his conduct and demand that he be arrested and arraigned in court for his actions, or else public protests may follow,’ Mr Kamali said.

Christopher Waiswa, Emmanuel Saddu, and Ernest Kifuse, who were with the deceased, said they were heading to a night vigil at Namwendwa Catholic Church on December 31 when Election Police Constables(EPC) attacked them as their colleague tried to relieve himself.

‘Our brother asked to relieve himself on our way to church. As we waited for him, a group of EPC intercepted us and ordered us to lie on the ground face down,’ they recounted.

They said Sibira was singled out and beaten to near death before was later handed over to his father.

He was pronounced dead before reaching the health facility.

They identified some of the EPCs involved as Kasimba, Bukerewe, and Owidi.

Bugabula South NUP contestant in Kamuli District, Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, condemned the brutal killing of Sibira, attributing it to orders from OC of Namwendwa Police Station, who reportedly fled the station following the incident.

‘The young man died after the OC of the station ordered the election constables to brutalize him, and he succumbed to the injuries,’ Pastor Muwanguzi said.

Busoga North police spokesperson Mr Samson Lubega said a case of suspected murder has been opened up and that one suspect is currently in custody to assist with investigations.

‘We have launched a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and determine accountability according to the law,’ Mr Lubega said.

Mr Lubega revealed that the OC has been transferred to Kamuli Police Station and urged community members to remain calm, avoid speculation, and let the due process take its course.

“We reiterate our commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” he said.

During last year’s pass-out ceremony for election special police constables at Busoga High School, Busoga North Police Commander Dickens Bindeba urged the recruits to uphold human rights throughout their service.

‘Human rights advocacy is non-negotiable. If you cannot uphold these rights, you are in the wrong position. The public knows their rights, and it is your duty to protect them within the limits of the law,’ Mr Bindeeba warned.

Sibira is the second person to be killed by police officers in the Busoga sub-region during the election period. The first was Meshach Okello, who was shot dead on November 28, 2025, in Iganga during a National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign rally. His family is yet to get justice.

The government has kicked off the process of documenting former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) fighters in the Acholi Sub-region after a section of them threatened to protest over what they termed as neglect and unfair treatment. The exercise, spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), is expected to last three weeks. The former LRA combatants complained that they had been denied their land rights.

They also accused the authorities of not giving them adequate psychosocial support and access to education opportunities, among others. The State minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Dr Kenneth Omona, last Friday announced that the government would document all the former LRA fighters, children born of war and rape. He made the remarks in a meeting with local leaders, security officers and some former LRA fighters at his office in Gulu City.

Dr Omona said the documentation would be done with support from the security agencies, non-governmental organisations and former LRA fighters.

‘As a government, we will register all the LRA fighters and children born of war. We have to get their details for planning and support. I am aware that some went through reception centres while others did not,’ he said.

Dr Omona said the government would use the details of the individuals to give them assistance. ‘These categories of individuals will benefit from government-funded programmes such as restocking, PDM and skills training,’ the minister added. He said the government was committed to reintegrating the ex-rebel fighters, former abductees and children born of the LRA war into communities.

Skilling

There are close to 1,000 children born to formerly abducted women. The minister added that there are plans to enrol former LRA fighters for skills training at the Acholi Presidential Zonal Hub in Oding, Gulu District. ‘Practical skills in masonry, carpentry and welding will make them self-sufficient,’ Dr Omona stated. Ms Pamela Angwech, the executive director of Gulu Women’s Economic Development and Globalisation (GWED-G), who attended last Friday’s meeting, urged the government to set aside funds to support the rehabilitation of former LRA fighters.

The former rebels were pardoned under the Amnesty Act 2000. According to the Amnesty Commission, since 2000, at least 27,000 former members of 26 rebel groups that waged war against President Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM)-led government have been resettled to their homes.

During the over two decades’ insurgency, the elusive LRA leader, Mr Joseph Kony, reportedly abducted more than 50,000 children, young women and men.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has started a phased translocation of rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in northern Uganda as part of a national programme to restore the species to parts of its former range.

Four southern white rhinos have been relocated from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the first phase of the plan, which will eventually see 20 rhinos established at Ajai under the National Rhino Conservation Strategy. UWA says the move is intended to strengthen rhino recovery efforts while expanding Uganda’s conservation and tourism portfolio.

Commenting on the milestone, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the translocation marks a new chapter in Uganda’s conservation journey.

“The return of rhinos to Ajai is a proud and emotional moment for Uganda. It reflects years of dedicated conservation work and a highly successful breeding programme at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where our rhino population has steadily grown under careful protection. This next step strengthens species recovery and restores an important part of our natural heritage for future generations.”

“This translocation has been done with a lot of care and sensitivity. The four rhinos are healthy and are now in Ajai Wildlife Reserve,” said Mr. Bashir Hangi, UWA’s Assistant Commissioner for Communications. The animals are currently being kept in a temporary holding facility within the reserve to allow them to adjust to the new environment before full release.

“They have never been in this ecosystem before, so acclimatisation is critical. We are monitoring them closely to see how they respond before we bring the remaining 16 rhinos,” Mr. Hangi said. He said UWA’s ecological monitoring and veterinary teams are tracking the animals’ health, movement, and feeding patterns to ensure they settle well.

“The idea of moving them in phases is to reduce risk. We want to be certain that everything is stable before proceeding with the next group,” Mr. Hangi added. Security arrangements at Ajai have also been strengthened, with UWA acknowledging that rhinos require a higher level of protection due to the risk of poaching.

“Rhino security is completely different from that of other wildlife. These animals are being tracked 24 hours a day, and ranger teams are moving with them at all times,” Mr. Hangi added. UWA is constructing a fenced sanctuary within the reserve, fitted with monitoring systems to detect breaches, while rangers have been equipped to respond quickly to any threats.

The authority has also engaged neighbouring communities through meetings, radio programmes, and mobile sensitisation campaigns to build local support for the project.

“We want communities to feel that these rhinos belong to them,” Mr. Hangi said. “When communities are involved, they become an additional layer of security.”

Ajai was selected following feasibility studies that identified it as one of several suitable sites for rhino reintroduction, alongside Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls national parks.

UWA says the Ajai translocation is part of a broader, long-term plan to re-establish rhinos in multiple protected areas across the country.

The High Court in Kampala has dismissed a pre-election appeal challenging the nomination of parliamentary candidates for Nakawa Division West Constituency, ruling that the Electoral Commission lawfully upheld their nominations despite clerical errors on nomination papers.

Justice Collins Acellam rejected the appeal filed by People’s Front for Freedom (PPF) flag bearer Ivan Bwowe, who had argued that seven rival candidates were invalidly nominated after indicating Nakawa West instead of the gazetted Nakawa Division West Constituency on their nomination documents.

He had listed Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi Besekezi, Happy Nasasira, Ephraim Okuye, Herbert Anderson Burora, Vincent Norbert Okumu, Wilberforce Kyambadde, Rwamiti Apiuli and the Electoral Commission as the respondents in the electoral appeal.

Mr Bwowe, a lawyer by profession, had argued that Nakawa West is a non-existent constituency and that the Electoral Commission lacked the authority to amend or cure defects in nomination papers after the nomination exercise had concluded. He sought orders declaring him the only validly nominated candidate and asked the court to direct the Commission to declare him elected unopposed.

However, the court upheld the Commission’s earlier decision, which had found that the omission of the word Division was a clerical error that had been corrected during the nomination process through the control form signed by all candidates, including the petitioner.

Justice Acellam noted that while the other contestants had written Nakawa West on their nomination forms, a Control Form specifically designated for the Nakawa Division West was filled and signed by all the candidates and the Returning Officer, confirming the nomination of the candidates.

The judge held that the Electoral Commission acted within its statutory mandate under Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act to correct irregularities in the electoral process. He further relied on Article 126(2)(e) of the Constitution, which requires courts to administer substantive justice without undue regard to technicalities.

‘I agree that the failure by the 2nd-8th Respondents to fill in the correct name of the Constituency for which they were seeking nomination is a minor irregularity or misnomer which could be cured by the Commission,’ the judge ruled.

Justice Acellam also observed that all candidates, including the petitioner, had demonstrated a shared understanding of the electoral area, citing campaign programs and other documents indicating an intention to contest in the same geographical constituency.

The court further noted that the petitioner himself had been declared nominated under the same Nakawa West description in official declaration forms, an anomaly he did not challenge at the time.

In dismissing the appeal, the judge cautioned against using technical errors to bypass the electoral process.

‘To allow the appeal would have the effect of imposing on the voters of the Constituency the Appellant as their representative,’ Justice Acellam stated, adding that ‘a proper mandate is through the ballot box’.

The court concluded that the petition had not succeeded and upheld the Electoral Commission’s decision to maintain the nominations. Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.

Clergy men and women serving in Bukedi Diocese are demanding a special poverty alleviation programme targeting members of the clergy.

Rev. George Okiror Etyang, the Archdeacon of Budaka Archdeaconry, says programmes such as Parish Development Model (PDM) and other capital ventures that aim to uplift communities should also be extended to the clergy to improve their welfare.

Rev. Okiror made the appeal on behalf of other members of the clergy in the diocese during an interface with the deputy communications officer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Rogers Mulindwa, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Tororo.

Mulindwa had paid a spot visit to the Diocese and handed over copies of the Bukedi Sub Region Service Delivery handbooks.

“Some people say that we the religious leaders will get our reward in future from heaven. That is true, however, we also need to enjoy the blessings on earth and therefore we request government to consider availing us with start-up capital,” Rev. Okiror said.

His request was backed by Bukedi diocese Bishop Samuel George Egesa Bogere, who said religious leaders too have numerous requirements because they have children to educate, families to take care of, and other needs to meet on a daily basis.

“Omukulu, these servants of God entirely depend on voluntary gifts from kind-hearted Christians because the offerings collected during prayers are supposed to be used by the Clergy and promote the work of God but once they are also empowered they will find it easy to look after their welfare,” the Bishop said.

Bishop Egesa thanked the NRM government for the stability and unity it has brought to the country and urged his juniors to use the pulpits to educate the masses on the achievements brought about by the sitting government, especially as the country gears up for the 2026 general elections.

According to Mulindwa, his spot visit is part of the NRM party strategy to draw support from religious leaders to continue educating the masses on the importance of peace. He acknowledged the request by the clergy, adding that it would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.