With just four days left before the official start of campaigns for the 2026 parliamentary elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) is racing against time to dispose of more than 100 petitions filed by candidates challenging nomination outcomes.
Among these are four petitions against candidates who had earlier been declared unopposed, in addition to seven presidential appeals and several local government disputes.
The rising number of unresolved cases has sparked public concern about whether the Commission can deliver all rulings before ballot printing begins.
At the EC headquarters in Kampala, a series of hearings and rulings continued on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Justice Simon Byabakama, focusing mainly on petitions for the Persons with Disability (PWD) MP seats.
Justice Byabakama confirmed that the Commission had so far received more than a hundred petitions from the recently concluded parliamentary nominations.
“We have over 100 petitions before us, including those involving candidates who had earlier declared themselves unopposed,” said Justice Byabakama, the EC Chairperson.
He explained that candidates found to have been wrongly nominated will be disqualified, while successful petitioners will be cleared to join the race.
“We shall ensure that justice is done,” he added. “Those who lose their petitions will not appear on the ballot, while those who win will proceed as duly nominated candidates.”
Among the petitioners is presidential aspirant Dennis Daniel Ssemugenyi, who accuses the Commission of delaying to rule on his case.
“I submitted my appeal weeks ago, and I am ready to join the race once the Commission clears me,” Ssemugenyi said. “All I’m asking for is fairness and timely decisions.”
Justice Byabakama also revealed that, besides the parliamentary petitions, seven presidential cases and several local government nomination appeals remain pending.
He, however, assured the public that the Commission is working to conclude all matters promptly.
“We are committed to resolving all cases before ballot printing starts,” he said. “The timelines are tight, but the law must be respected.”
Meanwhile, the EC confirmed the disqualification of Joram Mpande, a candidate for the Eastern Region MP seat for the elderly, after investigations found that he forged signatures on his nomination papers.
His opponent, Ofwono Opondo, who is also contesting for the same seat, welcomed the Commission’s decision.
“The Electoral Commission did the right thing,” Opondo said. “Forgery undermines democracy and must be dealt with firmly.”
As the campaign deadline approaches, pressure is mounting on the Commission to deliver timely judgments and ensure that only eligible candidates appear on the 2026 general election ballot papers.