The Electoral Commission has upheld the nomination of Saturday Collins as a candidate for the position of Kabale District Male Workers’ Councillor, affirming the Returning Officer’s decision and providing clarity on the interpretation of the law governing workers’ representation.
In a sitting held on 27th October 2025, the Commission considered submissions made by Bikangiso and Co.Advocates on behalf of Saturday George, who had petitioned for a reversal of the decision by the Returning Officer of Kabale Electoral District.
The petition challenged the nomination of Collins on the grounds that he is a Town Agent employed by Ryakarimira Town Council, Kabale District, and was therefore allegedly ineligible under Sections 111(2)(e), 111(4), and 111(7) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 131.
After careful deliberation, the Commission examined the legal provisions relied upon by the Returning Officer and clarified that the exemption allowing public officers to stand as Workers’ Councillors without resigning applies to all workers.
This exemption, the Commission noted, includes workers employed by the same local government in which they seek to contest as Workers’ Councillors.
In its ruling, the Commission further observed that excluding workers employed by the same local government would result in an absurd interpretation of the law.
“Such an interpretation, it stated, could not have been the intention of the legislature, as it would unfairly compel workers to seek representation in local governments other than those where they are employed” . Byabakama said.
Consequently, under Minute No. MIN.CM/COMP/027/2025, the Chairperson of Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi resolved to uphold the decision of the Returning Officer, Kabale Electoral District, thereby confirming the nomination of Saturday Collins for the position of Kabale District Male Workers’ Councillor.
The ruling stated that Kabale Returning Officer, Aisha Nansubuga has since been formally notified of the Commission’s decision.
The ruling reinforces the Commission’s commitment to fairness, consistency, and sound legal interpretation in the electoral process, while safeguarding the rights of workers to participate fully in local government representation.
