The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed satisfaction with the low number of election petitions recorded in the Busoga sub-region following the 2026 General Elections, saying the development reflects improved electoral management and increased confidence in the process.
Speaking during a regional post-election evaluation workshop for the Kiira region held at the Civil Service College in Jinja City, Regional Elections Officer Deo Natukunda said the 2026 electoral cycle was among the most successful in Busoga, citing the limited disputes reported at parliamentary and local government levels.
Natukunda said some of the few petitions filed have already started collapsing, with some petitioners withdrawing their cases after failing to present sufficient evidence.
“I am happy that after the 2026 General Elections, we received only a few petitions. This indicates that Electoral Commission staff did a commendable job. Even among those who petitioned, some are already withdrawing their cases from court because they lack evidence,” Natukunda said.
He commended all stakeholders involved in the electoral process, particularly security agencies, for contributing to a peaceful and orderly election.
“Security agencies did a tremendous job. They endured sleepless nights, especially during polling days, to ensure that the elections were conducted in a calm and secure environment,” he added.
The EC Commissioner in charge of Eastern Uganda, Stephen Tashobya, also praised election officials and other stakeholders across the region for what he described as a smooth electoral process.
“I have worked in this region for a number of years and understand it well. Seeing how smoothly the elections were conducted gives me great satisfaction,” Tashobya said.
He urged stakeholders to maintain the same level of commitment and coordination as the country proceeds with the ongoing Local Council One (LCI) and Women Council elections.
Tashobya reminded stakeholders that participation in the elections is strictly reserved for Ugandan citizens, who are the only individuals eligible for nomination and voting.
“Only citizens of Uganda are allowed to participate in this exercise and are eligible for nomination,” he stressed.
He also cautioned civil servants, including teachers and other government employees, against contesting for LCI chairperson positions, noting that although they are barred from vying for the positions, they retain the right to vote.
The Commissioner announced that Women Council elections will be held on July 23, followed by LCI elections on July 27, urging all stakeholders to support a smooth and credible electoral process.
The post-election evaluation workshop brought together Electoral Commission officials, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), representatives from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Police, media practitioners, civil society organisations, political party representatives, and local government leaders.
The meeting focused on assessing the performance of the electoral process, identifying challenges, and strengthening systems for future elections in the region.