By skynewsug.com
Wednesday 14 October 2026
KIRA, Uganda — Residents of Kireka D, also known as Kiganda, in Kireka Ward, Kira Municipality, have protested the Electoral Commission’s decision to exclude their village from the latest list of areas scheduled for repeat Local Council I (LC1) elections.
The residents, who had earlier been informed that their village was among 54 areas due for fresh elections, were angered after Kiganda was omitted from a revised list, raising uncertainty over when they would elect their leaders.
The disputed election attracted eight candidates and was marred by allegations of irregularities. Former chairperson William Kibira and candidate Dennis Arinaitwe petitioned the Electoral Commission, challenging the declaration of Umar Muyanja of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the winner.
Following the complaints, the election was nullified, and residents were informed that a fresh poll would be organised.
Kiganda was initially listed among the 54 villages scheduled for repeat elections, with voting expected on October 19. However, a subsequent list containing 53 villages excluded Kiganda, triggering protests in which residents reportedly burnt tyres as police intervened to restore order.
A delegation led by Kibira and Arinaitwe later visited the Electoral Commission headquarters to seek clarification from chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama.
Byabakama reportedly told the delegation that Muyanja had petitioned the commission, arguing that the annulment was unjustified because he possessed a declaration of results form signed by agents of the candidates. The commission also reportedly cited a video in which Kibira appeared to concede defeat, although the chairperson maintained that one candidate’s concession could not, on its own, settle allegations of irregularities involving eight candidates.
The Electoral Commission chairperson assured the delegation that their concerns would be examined before October 15 and urged residents to remain peaceful as the matter was being handled.
During a subsequent community meeting at the local LC office, residents vowed not to accept Muyanja’s leadership unless the disputed election was resolved. They also blamed the prolonged uncertainty for rising insecurity in the area.
Kibira said he had already opened a case with police against individuals allegedly posing as local leaders and security personnel and signing agreements in those capacities. He maintained that the village had not yet received new leadership and said he had handed over the official stamp and authority to his deputy, Ibrahim Masaba, in accordance with the applicable procedures pending a final decision on the election dispute.
The residents are now awaiting the Electoral Commission’s final position on whether Kiganda will be included in the repeat election programme.
