The nomination process was in high gear
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Four candidates have been nominated to contest the Adjumani West parliamentary by-election, setting the stage for a closely watched campaign ahead of the September 17, 2026 vote.
The two-day nomination exercise, held on September 7 and 8, was conducted at the District Electoral Commission offices on Moyo Road in Adjumani, with the Commission clearing three independent candidates and one candidate representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The nominated candidates are Patrick Tandrupasi, Gasper Draga and Ben Anyama, all independents, while Ijjo Stephane Peter was nominated on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
The candidates will now turn their attention to campaigning for the parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of former Adjumani West MP, Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali.
To qualify for nomination, the candidates were required to meet a number of legal and administrative requirements. These included presenting at least an A-Level academic certificate, paying the mandatory Shs3 million non-refundable nomination fee, and proving Ugandan citizenship and voter registration.
The Electoral Commission has also imposed strict guidelines aimed at preventing violence and disorder during the campaign period.
Under the rules, each candidate is allowed a maximum of two vehicles in their campaign convoy, with no more than 10 people permitted in each vehicle. Public-road processions have also been prohibited.
Adjumani District Electoral Commission Returning Officer Christine Akao Eunice said the candidates would meet on Wednesday to harmonise their campaign programmes as part of efforts to prevent clashes.
“This is to ensure that when they go for campaigns, they will be able to solicit for votes peacefully and ensure there are no clashes among candidates as they move,” Akao said.
She urged candidates and their supporters to respect the agreed campaign schedules and comply with all Electoral Commission guidelines throughout the campaign period.
The Commission expects 51,438 registered voters to participate in the by-election, representing an increase of more than 3,500 voters from the previous electorate of 47,930.
Adjumani West Constituency comprises Adjumani Town Council, Pachara, Adropi, Ciforo and Ukusijoni sub-counties, with 23 parishes, 114 polling stations and 99 villages.
The four candidates are expected to take their campaigns to voters through rallies, community engagements and other lawful activities as they seek to convince the electorate to entrust them with representation in Parliament.
The contest will test the strength of the independent candidates against the political machinery of the NUP candidate, with each seeking to emerge as the successor to Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali.
With nominations now concluded, the Electoral Commission has called on candidates, supporters and voters to maintain peace, respect one another and follow electoral guidelines.
The September 17 election will ultimately give voters in Adjumani West an opportunity to choose a new parliamentary representative to carry their interests to Parliament.
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