By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
12 September,2025
KAMPALA, Uganda – The Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday commenced hearings for petitions arising from the ongoing nomination of candidates for various positions at the local government level. The sessions, which are being held at the Commission’s headquarters in Kampala, are aimed at addressing disputes and complaints raised by aspirants and citizens during the nomination process.
The hearings are chaired by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, supported by Deputy Chairperson Hajjat Aisha Lubega and other commissioners, alongside staff from the legal department.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the Commission is empowered by law to hear and resolve complaints relating to the electoral process.
“The law mandates the Electoral Commission to receive and hear complaints from any citizen or aspirant concerning the nomination process. This ensures transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights of all stakeholders in the electoral process,” Mucunguzi explained.
He has further revealed that by yesterday, about 60 individuals had been invited to appear before the Commission to present their cases. Each petitioner was given the opportunity to lay out their concerns with supporting evidence, after which the Commission engaged them and promised to communicate its decisions in writing.
The hearings, which began on Thursday morning, stretched late into the night, continuing past 10 p.m. Despite the long hours, the Commission has resumed the exercise today at 10 a.m., signaling its commitment to handling all petitions within the nomination period.
Mucunguzi has noted that the process will continue until every petition has been heard and resolved.
The hearings come at a critical time as the EC oversees nominations for local government leadership positions, including city and municipal division chairpersons, councilors, and representatives of special interest groups. The nomination exercise, which began earlier this week, has attracted hundreds of aspirants across the country, reflecting growing competition at the grassroots level.
The Commission has emphasized that resolving disputes promptly is key to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process and ensuring a smooth run-up to the 2026 General Election.