The Electoral Commission ordered fresh elections in five Lwengo villages after candidates raised complaints about ballot stuffing, voters’ registers and other alleged malpractices in the earlier polls.
Residents in five villages in Lwengo District have re-elected their Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons after the Electoral Commission ordered fresh polls following complaints of electoral irregularities.
The repeat elections were held in Lubaale A in Kyazanga Sub-county, Kitabaazi A in Ndagwe Sub-county, Katooke A in Kisekka Sub-county, Katovu Central in Katovu Town Council and Kyenvuunikidde in Lwengo Sub-county.
The polls were conducted under heightened security following complaints by candidates who contested the earlier elections. The complaints reportedly included allegations of ballot stuffing, irregularities in voters’ registers and other electoral malpractices.
The fresh polls gave residents another opportunity to choose their village leaders after concerns over the credibility of the earlier results.
Attention was particularly focused on Katooke A in Kisekka Sub-county, where National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Richard Kalanda Mikanda faced independent candidate Geoffrey Lugaaju.
Kalanda Mikanda won the contest with 282 votes against Lugaaju’s 180, securing victory by a margin of 102 votes.
In his victory remarks, the re-elected chairperson thanked residents for entrusting him with another term and pledged to work with them to address their concerns.
“I thank my supporters for trusting me and electing me to lead them. I promise to work together with you and advocate for your needs,” Kalanda Mikanda said.
He celebrated after the results were announced.
Lwengo District Chairperson Abas Kizito urged election officials to uphold transparency and ensure that electoral processes are conducted credibly to avoid repeated polls.
Kizito said fresh elections impose additional costs on taxpayers and divert public resources that could otherwise support service delivery.
“Every time an election is repeated, taxpayers' money is wasted. This also makes it difficult for our people to access the services they need because the money that would have supported service delivery is spent elsewhere. It also contributes to an increase in criminal activities,” Kizito said.
He urged election officials to address complaints promptly and ensure that future polls are conducted in a manner that commands public confidence.
Lwengo District Electoral Commission official Peace Kyogabirwe said the repeat elections had proceeded smoothly in all five villages.
The fresh polls followed the cancellation of the earlier results after complaints were raised by candidates. They were intended to allow residents to elect leaders through a process they could trust.
The elections underscore the importance of transparent vote management, accurate voters’ registers and adherence to electoral procedures in local council polls.