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The Acting Head of Administration at the Electoral Commission, Pamela Etonu Okudi, is dead.
The circumstances surrounding Etonu’s death remain unclear. The Electoral Commission was yet to issue a statement on the matter. However, preliminary information shows Etonu succumbed to a cardiac arrest.
Etonu had been nominated by President Museveni and three other new members to Uganda’s Electoral Commission to superintendent over the 2026 general elections.
The others are Makerere Political Science and Public Administration lecturer, Dr Ssimba Ssali Kayunga, former Nansana MP Robert Kasule and former Kyoga County MP Anthony Okello. However, Museveni rescinded the nomination of Robert Kasule and Etonu.
The move sparked outrage from Etonu’s close associates who accused Parliament’s leadership of having a hand in the reversal of her nomination.But Parliament refuted the claim, saying the House cannot reverse a presidential appointment.
Joseph Sabiiti, the Principal Spokesperson of the Speaker, said, “The power to appoint a Commissioner of the Electoral Commission lies with President Museveni, and Parliament vets the team that was duly appointed by the appointing authority.” He added: “Let’s allow the bereaved to mourn their loved one in peace. May the Lord grant Pamela eternal rest and comfort her loved ones.”