EDITOR
Panic and confusion have gripped voters in Kitumba Sub-County, Kabale District, following a controversial declaration in the LCIII Chairperson elections in which two different candidates were announced as winners within hours. The dispute centers on the Kabale District Returning Officer, Aisha Nansubuga, who, on 4th February 2026, declared the incumbent, David Muhereza Kato, an independent candidate, the winner of the election with 2,610 votes, defeating Herbert Twinamatsiko of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), who polled 2,448 votes.
However, in a dramatic turn of events in the early hours of 5th February, Nansubuga reportedly issued a fresh declaration naming Twinamatsiko as the winner with 2,648 votes, overturning the earlier results in which Muhereza had been announced as the victor.
Speaking to our reporter, Muhereza said the contradictory announcements have left voters shocked and confused. He explained that after being officially declared the winner, he left the district Rukiiko Hall to celebrate with his supporters, believing the process had concluded.
The conflicting announcements have sparked tension and uncertainty in Kitumba Sub-County, with residents demanding a clear explanation from electoral authorities to restore confidence in the electoral process.
Muhereza further alleged that at around 3:00 a.m., security personnel raided his home and demanded that his wife open the door. He said his wife contacted him by phone, and he instructed her not to comply. He claims that while his home was under raid, his opponent was declared the winner.
When contacted for comment, Returning Officer Aisha Nansubuga declined to give details, stating that individuals who were present at the district Rukiiko Hall understood the reasons behind the disqualification of Muhereza and the subsequent declaration of Twinamatsiko. She referred our reporter to her office for further clarification.
