Justice Byabakama Announces BVVK Use, New Returning Officer Ahead of Adjumani West By-Election

ADJUMANI — Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugyenyi Simon has assured stakeholders that the Commission has completed preparations for Thursday’s parliamentary by-election in Adjumani West Constituency, with 51,437 registered voters expected to participate across 114 polling stations.

Justice Byabakama made the remarks on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a pre-polling stakeholders’ briefing in Adjumani, where he outlined the Commission’s final arrangements for the election.

The by-election follows the death of former Adjumani West Member of Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali, on July 18, 2026. Byabakama said the Electoral Commission was required to conduct the election within 60 days of being notified of the vacancy by the Clerk to Parliament, with the statutory period expiring on September 21, 2026.

The Commission subsequently developed an electoral programme that has progressed through voter registration and updating, display of the voters’ register, nomination of candidates, campaigns and preparations for polling.

51,437 voters cleared to vote

According to the Electoral Commission, Adjumani West has 51,437 registered voters, comprising 27,573 females (53.6%) and 23,864 males (46.4%).

The National Voters’ Register was updated between August 5 and 7 at stations covering the constituency’s 23 parishes, while the register was displayed at all 114 polling stations from August 17 to 26.

The Commission has also provided participating candidates with copies of the final register to enable their agents to verify voters and ensure that only eligible voters participate at their designated polling stations.

Three candidates remain on parliamentary ballot

The nomination exercise was held on September 7 and 8 at the Office of the District Election Administrator/Returning Officer in Adjumani. Four candidates were initially nominated to contest for the parliamentary seat: Anyama Ben, an independent; Draga Gasper, an independent; Leku James Pilli of the National Resistance Movement (NRM); and Tandrupasi Patrick, an independent.

However, Byabakama said the Commission subsequently received notices of withdrawal from Anyama Ben and Tandrupasi Patrick.

Their names will therefore not appear on the ballot papers, leaving Draga Gasper and Leku James Pilli as the candidates on the parliamentary ballot.

The Commission also nominated Ilacia Perina of the NRM unopposed for the position of Sub County Female Councillor representing Older Persons in Pachara Sub County. She was consequently declared elected unopposed.

Polling to start at 7am

Justice Byabakama said polling for the Adjumani West parliamentary seat will take place on Thursday, September 17, at all 114 polling stations.

Voting will begin at 7:00am and close at 4:00pm, after which counting of votes and declaration of results will be conducted at the respective polling stations.

He urged voters to arrive early to enable polling to commence on time. 

Political parties and candidates have also been encouraged to appoint agents in writing and deploy them to polling stations. However, Byabakama cautioned that agents are expected to observe and monitor the process rather than interfere with polling activities.

Biometric verification to be used

The Electoral Commission has announced a number of measures intended to strengthen the transparency and management of the election.

Among them is the mandatory use of the Biometric Voter Verification system (BVVK) at all 114 polling stations.

The Commission will also use serialised Declaration of Results forms for each polling station, which candidates’ agents will be required to sign after polling to confirm the authenticity of the results.

Other measures include allowing candidates or their representatives to witness the packing and dispatch of election materials, close coordination with the Uganda Police Force, intensive supervision of polling-day activities and the official gazetting of all polling stations.

Polling materials to be dispatched

Byabakama said polling materials will be dispatched to the 114 polling stations on Thursday morning to ensure that voting starts on time.

Designated candidates’ agents have been instructed to report to the Returning Officer’s office by 4:00am to witness the dispatch and transportation of polling kits to their respective stations. 

The Commission has appointed Ms Akao Eunice Christine as the Returning Officer for the parliamentary by-election.

The Adjumani District Local Government Headquarters in Adjumani Town Council has been designated as the results tally centre.

Access to the tally centre will be restricted to authorised persons with the appropriate accreditation, apart from the candidates.

EC accredits election observers

The Commission has accredited several organisations and political representatives to observe polling-day activities.

They include the Global Election Observation Mission (GEOM), with 18 observers; Women Situation Room, 22; National Consultative Forum (NCF), 10; and the NRM, 50 observers.

Participating political parties have been permitted to deploy no more than five observers per parish or ward.

The Commission has also accredited five representatives from participating political parties to access the tally centre and observe the tallying process.

Byabakama warned that anyone found performing the duties of an observer or agent without proper accreditation would be dealt with under the law.

He also reminded journalists that they will be required to present valid identification from their respective media organisations when accessing polling stations and the tally centre.

Complaints desk and media centre established

To address concerns that may arise during polling, the Electoral Commission has established a Query/Complaints Desk at the Adjumani District Local Government Headquarters.

The desk will operate from 7:00am to 4:00pm on polling day.

Voters can also raise concerns through the Commission’s designated telephone lines, including the toll-free numbers 0800 300121 and 0800 300122, as well as 0392 004585 and 0392 004578.

A media centre has also been established at the same venue and will be managed by Electoral Commission public relations officials together with a designated Uganda Police Force officer.

The centre will provide periodic updates on the electoral process and address emerging issues.

Byabakama commends peaceful campaigns

The campaigns for the parliamentary by-election concluded on Tuesday, September 15.

Justice Byabakama commended candidates and their supporters for what he described as a generally peaceful campaign period and also recognised the Uganda Police Force for enforcing the campaign guidelines.

The Commission has called on all candidates, political parties, agents, supporters and other stakeholders to comply with electoral laws and guidelines.

“I call upon the voters to come out early and freely cast their votes,” Byabakama said, assuring stakeholders that the Commission, working with the Uganda Police Force, had made preparations for a peaceful and secure electoral environment.

He warned that unlawful conduct during the election would be handled in accordance with the law.

The Adjumani West by-election is therefore set to enter its final stage on Thursday, with the Electoral Commission expected to oversee voting, counting and declaration of results across the constituency’s 114 polling stations.

The Commission’s programme for the by-election had previously set September 17 as polling day following the death of Gen. Moses Ali.