Parliamentary nominations for the 2026 general elections have concluded across the country, with dozens of candidates officially confirmed to contest for various constituencies.
In Rukungiri District, a total of 28 candidates were nominated over a two-day exercise that ended on October 23 at the Rukungiri District Council Hall. According to the Returning Officer, Abas K. Namara, 16 candidates were nominated on the first day and 12 on the second, bringing the total to 28.
Of the nominees, four represent the National Resistance Movement (NRM), four the People’s Progressive Front (PFF), three the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one the Democratic Party (DP), one the National Unity Platform (NUP), and the rest are independents.
Five candidates are contesting for the Woman MP seat, ten for Rujumbura County, nine for Rubabo County, and four for Rukungiri Municipality.
Notable nominees include former Minister for Security Gen. Henry Tumukunde (NRM, Rukungiri Municipality), incumbent MP Naboth Namanya (Rubabo), and former Rubabo MP Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo (NRM, Woman MP).
Namara urged all candidates to wait until November 10 to begin campaigning, with the general election scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Meanwhile, in Kisoro District, the nomination exercise also saw drama when a parliamentary aspirant attempted to secure nomination without paying the required Sh3 million fee, promising to pay the following day.
Returning Officer Nayebare Daniel described the incident as unprecedented, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and adherence to procedures.
A total of 13 candidates were duly nominated in Kisoro, including Turyagyenda Asgario (NRM, Bukimbiri County), Dr. Leo Mfitimana (Independent, Kisoro Municipality), Hellen Mbonye (NUP, District Woman MP), and others.
Kisoro District Police Commander Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha assured that security personnel would escort candidates to ensure a peaceful nomination process.
In Kasese District, 34 candidates from various political parties completed the nomination process at Kasese Multipurpose Hall.
These included six NRM, six FDC, six NUP, four PFF, two DP, and ten independents. Contenders are vying for seats across Bunkonzo West, Bakonzo East, Busongora North, Busongora South, Kasese Municipality, and the Woman MP position.
Kasese District Returning Officer Godfrey Mbabazi urged candidates to adhere strictly to Electoral Commission guidelines to minimize conflicts during campaigns.
The Rwenzori Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime commended the candidates and the public for maintaining peace and unity during the exercise.
As parliamentary campaigns draw near, electoral authorities across the three districts have called on candidates and citizens alike to embrace peaceful, orderly, and inclusive participation to ensure smooth and credible elections.
