Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama has assured voters in Kikuube District that the Commission is fully prepared to conduct a free and fair LC5 chairperson by-election scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Byabakama made the remarks during a pre-polling engagement held at Kikuube District headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, where he met security agencies, candidates, agents and election observers ahead of the vote.
He urged residents to remain calm, saying the Commission was committed to delivering a credible electoral exercise.
“This job we have done before excellently, Kikuube is not any special. We will have a peaceful and free and fair election,” he said.
Byabakama also warned individuals or groups allegedly planning to disrupt the process, stressing that the Commission is working closely with security agencies to ensure order during the polls.
“It is a duty of us all to ensure that we have a good exercise. If you know that you have plans to disorganise, stand warned—we will not tolerate that,” he said.
The Albertine South Regional Police Commander, Titus Byaruhanga, said security has been heavily deployed across polling stations, with each site assigned at least two police constables. He added that deployment will be reinforced by district police commanders drawn from various districts in the Bunyoro region and beyond.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwin Angalia said security agencies were fully in control of the situation, adding that all candidates and supporters would be protected during the electoral process.
“We have democracy in Uganda. The NUP candidate was the first to be nominated. He even got 15% in the general election while NRM got 85%, so we are not scared. We will man the exercise,” he said.
National Resistance Movement Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said the party was determined to secure victory in the by-election, warning against alleged attempts to disrupt the process.
“I want to warn the NUP people who normally come from Kampala to disorganise the election. This is different. They should not dare. NRM must win here,” he said.
NRM candidate Paddy Kisembo called for peace, urging supporters to avoid provocation and ensure a calm voting process.
“The campaigns have been peaceful. I still ask our colleagues from the NUP camp to be peaceful. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair,” he said.
National Unity Platform candidate Fenekansi Timanyire expressed concern over what he described as intimidation of his supporters ahead of polling day, but urged voters to turn up in large numbers and safeguard their votes.
“They have welcomed our message, but they are being intimidated. We ask them to turn up in big numbers and vote for us, but also remain at polling stations to protect their results,” he said.
The race has drawn increased attention due to heightened political activity and security presence, with both major parties intensifying final mobilisation efforts ahead of Thursday’s vote.