The Electoral Commission of Uganda has released an extensive electoral roadmap for the forthcoming Kikuube District LC V chairperson by-election, confirming June 10, 2026 as the official polling day.
The vote comes in the wake of the death of former district chairperson Peter Banura, whose sudden passing earlier this month created a vacancy in the top leadership of Kikuube District.
Roadmap Sets Pace for Electoral Activities
According to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, the electoral calendar is structured to ensure adequate preparation time for voters, candidates, and administrators.
The process will begin with a stakeholders’ briefing on April 27, aimed at harmonising the roles of political parties, security agencies, civil society, and the media.
A voter register update exercise will run from April 28 to April 30, allowing new eligible voters to register and others to transfer or verify their voting details.
This will be followed by the display of the voters’ register from May 8 to May 12, a crucial step for public scrutiny and correction of any anomalies.
Candidate Nomination and Campaign Period
The Commission has scheduled May 25 and May 26 for the nomination of candidates at the district headquarters.
Aspirants must meet all legal requirements, including submission of nomination forms, academic qualifications, and endorsement by registered voters.
Campaigns will officially commence on May 28 and conclude on June 8, giving candidates a limited but intense window to engage voters across the district.
Observers expect campaigns to focus on service delivery, infrastructure, and the management of emerging oil-related opportunities in the region.
Polling Arrangements and Oversight
Polling will take place on June 10, with the EC promising to deploy trained election officials and materials to all polling stations in time.
Additional preparatory steps include:
Recruitment and training of polling staff
Accreditation of observers and media
Coordination with security agencies to maintain law and order
The Commission has emphasized that all activities will be conducted in line with Uganda’s electoral laws to ensure credibility and fairness.
Banura’s Legacy and Sudden Death:
The by-election follows the tragic demise of Peter Banura, who died after sustaining injuries in a road accident along the Hoima–Fort Portal highway.
Banura was among the founding leaders of Kikuube District and had recently secured re-election before his untimely death.
His leadership was closely associated with efforts to strengthen local governance structures in the young district.
His passing not only shocked residents but also triggered a constitutional requirement for the seat to be filled through a by-election within six months.
High-Stakes Political Contest Expected
Kikuube District, part of Uganda’s oil-rich Albertine region, has steadily gained national attention due to ongoing energy developments and infrastructure expansion.
Political observers say the by-election is likely to attract both seasoned politicians and new entrants seeking to influence the district’s future direction.
Key issues expected to dominate the race include:
Management of oil revenues and land concerns
Improvement of health and education services
Road infrastructure and local economic development
EC Calls for Peaceful Participation
Justice Byabakama has urged all stakeholders to maintain discipline throughout the electoral process, warning against acts that could undermine peace and credibility.
He called on voters to actively participate, noting that the by-election presents an opportunity for residents of Kikuube to choose leadership that reflects their priorities.
As the electoral clock begins ticking, attention now shifts to potential candidates and alliances that could shape the outcome of what is expected to be a closely watched local contest.
