Kampala — The Electoral Commission has dismissed a complaint challenging the nomination of several candidates for the position of Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Nakawa Division West Constituency, Kampala, ruling that the matter lacked merit.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Bwowe Ivan of the People’s Front for Freedom, the Commission said it had carefully reviewed the complaint, which was lodged under Article 61 (1) (f) and Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap 176. The complaint sought to challenge the nomination of Nasasira Happy, Okuye Felix Ephraim, Okumu Vincent Norbert, Ssenyonyi Joel Besekezi, Kyambadde Wilberforce, Burora Herbert Anderson and Rwamiti Apulli.
The Commission noted that during its meeting held on 10th November 2025, it considered submissions from both the complainant and the respondents, alongside responses from the advocates representing the notified candidates.
Among the key findings, the Commission observed that although the respondents indicated the constituency name as “Nakawa West” on their nomination papers, the official control form — which was personally filled and signed by all nominated candidates, including the complainant — correctly stated the constituency as “Nakawa Division West.”
It also established that all campaign programs and schedules submitted by the candidates showed an intention to campaign in the same geographical areas, with the only difference being the dates allocated for campaign activities.
Furthermore, the Commission revealed that by 31st October 2025, a harmonised campaign programme for Nakawa Division West had already been fully agreed upon by all participating candidates or their agents, and endorsed by the Returning Officer in Kampala. Therefore, by the time the complaint was filed on 6th November 2025, the alleged error had already been rectified.
The Commission also pointed out that the complainant’s own campaign posters, presented during the hearing, referred to the constituency interchangeably as “Nakawa West,” even though the correct name remains Nakawa Division West.
“In view of the foregoing, the Commission resolved that the complaint had no merit and the same stands dismissed,” the letter read.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, confirmed that the decision of the Returning Officer in Kampala to nominate the respondents has been upheld.
Copies of the decision have been forwarded to the Returning Officer, Kampala, as well as all the concerned candidates.
This ruling has now cleared the way for the nominated candidates to proceed with their campaigns in Nakawa Division West as schedule
