MICHAEL N
The Electoral Commission has rescheduled the polling date from 26th February to 12th March 2026 in areas where voting was not concluded.
The Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Ntungamo District, Charles Wafula, said the change in voting dates is intended to allow adequate preparations by the administration to address the challenges that affected the earlier exercise.
Charles acknowledged that voting in areas where the LC3 local government and municipal elections were not concluded on 4th February had initially been scheduled for today, 26th February, but has now been postponed to 12th March 2026.
The elections to be repeated in Ntungamo District include the LC3 female councilor positions in three parishes: Nkongoro A in Nyabihoko Kajara, Rukoni A in Rukoni West Ruhaama East, and Kyamate in Ntungamo Municipality. He cited mispackaging of ballot papers, which were not found in the designated black ballot boxes, as the cause of the postponement.
Charles also revealed that fresh voting will be conducted in Kikoni Ward A in Ntungamo Municipality, where two candidates tied after vote counting at all polling stations. The candidates, Martin Tusiimire (NRM) and Nathan Twinamwire (PFF), each received 253 votes, the highest number of votes cast. No winner was declared pending a fresh election.
Charles Wafula assured the public, voters, and candidates of a free and fair election process, noting that BVVK machines will also be used.
He urged voters to follow all Electoral Commission rules and procedures at polling stations to ensure a peaceful election. Voting will begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Vote tallying will take place at the District Tally Centre, which was recently gazetted as an official tally centre during the concluded elections.
In a press release dated 20th February 2026, Justice Byabakama Simon Mugyenyi, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, stated that the change in voting date is aimed at providing sufficient time to organize a fresh and credible election.
He urged the public, stakeholders, and voters to participate in a free and peaceful electoral process.
