The late Gen. Moses Ali
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially unveiled the roadmap for the Adjumani West Constituency parliamentary by-election, setting September 17, 2026, as the polling day to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of veteran politician and former Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali.
The roadmap, announced on August 3 by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, kicks off the electoral process required to fill one of the country’s most historically significant parliamentary seats.
Gen. Moses Ali, who died at Nakasero Hospital at the age of 87, had only recently been sworn into the 12th Parliament after winning another term to represent Adjumani West. His death brought to an end a distinguished political and military career spanning more than five decades, during which he served in several senior government positions, including as Second Deputy Prime Minister.
Under Uganda’s electoral laws, the Electoral Commission is mandated to organize and conclude a parliamentary by-election within 60 days of receiving official notification of a vacancy from the Clerk to Parliament.
With that legal requirement now in motion, the Commission has laid out a comprehensive timetable leading up to the September 17 vote.
Pre-election activities
The roadmap provides for a series of pre-election activities, including the display and updating of the National Voters Register to enable eligible voters to verify their particulars and correct any errors before polling day.
It also sets timelines for the nomination of candidates, allowing political parties to field flag bearers while independent candidates will also have an opportunity to seek nomination in accordance with the law.
Following nominations, successful candidates will embark on official campaign activities within the period designated by the Electoral Commission before campaigning concludes ahead of polling day.
Justice Byabakama urged all stakeholders to begin preparations early and conduct themselves in accordance with Uganda’s electoral laws.
He called upon political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to ensure that the campaigns remain peaceful, orderly and issue-based.
The EC Chairperson further warned against acts of violence, intimidation, hate speech, voter bribery and any other illegal campaign practices that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Peaceful elections
He emphasized that peaceful elections require the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political actors, security agencies, civil society organizations and the electorate.
The Adjumani West by-election is expected to attract considerable political attention given the constituency’s prominence and the legacy of Gen. Moses Ali, who remained one of Uganda’s longest-serving public servants.
Political parties are now expected to begin internal consultations to identify suitable candidates capable of succeeding the late statesman.
The by-election will also serve as another test of the Electoral Commission’s preparedness to conduct credible elections following the conclusion of the 2026 General Elections earlier this year.
Observation of electoral regulations
Election observers are expected to closely monitor the exercise, particularly the nomination process, campaign activities and polling day procedures to ensure compliance with the electoral laws and regulations.
For the people of Adjumani West, the election offers an opportunity to choose a new representative to continue advancing the constituency’s interests in Parliament after the passing of a leader who played a significant role in Uganda’s political and security landscape.
With just weeks remaining before polling day, the Electoral Commission has appealed to voters to participate actively in the electoral process while maintaining peace and respecting the rule of law, saying the success of the by-election will depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to free, fair and peaceful elections.
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