Uganda’s Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, has called on the Electoral Commission to ensure free and fair elections, warning against favoritism as political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 general polls.
Namuganza, a member of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, said the commission chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama must treat all candidates equally to avoid disputes like those seen during the ruling National Resistance Movement party’s primaries.
“We want a free and fair election, and this is what all candidates and Ugandans want to see happen next year,” she said.
The minister, who is seeking a third term as Bukono County legislator, is running as an independent after losing the NRM primary. She accused the party’s electoral body, led by Tanga Odoi, of presiding over irregularities that cost her the party’s nomination.
Namuganza also urged the Electoral Commission to guarantee equal security protection for all candidates during campaigns and on polling day.
“The Commission should provide security for all candidates regardless of their political affiliation because we are all contestants,” she said.
After her nomination Thursday, the minister cautioned district returning officers against tampering with election results.
“We want to see candidates who have truly won declared as winners with accurate vote tallies. For instance, I should know exactly how many votes I have received,” she added.
The race for Bukono County has shaped into a tight contest between Namuganza and NRM flag bearer Emmanuel Maganda, who accused the minister of rigging the 2021 elections.
“If she lost the NRM primaries, she should have accepted defeat and served the country elsewhere, not come back as an independent,” Maganda said.
Across Namutumba District, 30 candidates were cleared to contest for parliamentary seats on the first day of nominations.
The race for woman MP has also attracted attention, with incumbent Mariam Naigaga of the NRM facing a challenge from Betty Nakisita Mpongo, who alleged she was cheated in the primaries.
“She cheated me in the NRM primaries, but I’m ready to defeat her again in the upcoming elections,” Nakisita said.
In Busiki Constituency, incumbent Paul Akamba will face Joel Waiswa Azalwa, who vowed to unseat him despite losing a court battle over the NRM ticket. In Busiki North, former MP Willion Isiko Mpongo declared his bid to return to Parliament after a decade out, saying he is “ready to represent the people again.”
Ugandans will vote for a new parliament in general elections scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026.
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