Five Lwengo Villages Re-Elect Chairpersons After Poll Irregularities

What the report says

Residents in five villages in Lwengo District have chosen their Local Council One chairpersons again after the Electoral Commission cancelled earlier results and ordered fresh polls over complaints of election irregularities. According to Nile Post, the repeat vote followed allegations from candidates about ballot stuffing, problems with voters’ registers and other malpractices in the first round.

The re-run covered Lubaale A in Kyazanga Sub-county, Kitabaazi A in Ndagwe Sub-county, Katooke A in Kisekka Sub-county, Katovu Central in Katovu Town Council and Kyenvuunikidde in Lwengo Sub-county. The polls were held under tight security, and district election officials said the exercise went smoothly. The fresh ballot gave residents another chance to settle contests that had been questioned after the earlier process.

Particular attention was on Katooke A, where National Unity Platform candidate Richard Kalanda Mikanda defeated independent contender Geoffrey Lugaaju with 282 votes to 180. Kalanda Mikanda thanked supporters after his win and said he would work with residents on their concerns.

Lwengo District Chairperson Abas Kizito said repeated elections waste public money and can disrupt service delivery, while Electoral Commission official Peace Kyogabirwe said the re-run was meant to restore confidence in the outcome. The episode highlights the sensitivity of local council elections in Uganda, where register accuracy and ballot handling remain central to public trust.