Apac among districts set for residual elections re-run

24 February 2026, 3:22 pm

By,Daniel Odongo

During the General Local Government Council Elections for LC III Chairpersons and
Councilors on 4th February 2026, there were a number of electoral areas across the country were
elections were not concluded for number of reasons.

Apac District is among the areas scheduled to conduct residual elections on March 12, 2026, following disruptions that affected the February 4 Local Government Council polls.

‎The Electoral Commission of Uganda announced the extension in a letter dated February 20, 2026, signed by the Acting Regional Election Commission Secretary, Mr. Richard Baabo Kamugisha.

The re-run elections, initially slated for February 26, were pushed forward to allow adequate preparations and resolution of identified irregularities.

‎The pending elections span eight electoral areas in Apac and cut across multiple categories, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs), male and female councillor positions, older persons’ representatives, and youth councillors.

‎According to Mr. Baabo, several polling stations failed to conclude the electoral process due to a combination of administrative and technical challenges.

‎“These ranged from mismatched photographs on ballot papers, mix-ups of symbols, failure of Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) machines, tied results, incomplete demarcation of electoral areas, among others,” he stated.

‎As a result, the Commission designated Thursday, March 12, 2026, as the official polling date for all unresolved elections at sub-county, town council, and municipal division levels.

‎Returning officers have been directed to coordinate closely with the Election Management Department to ensure affected areas are properly included and that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the exercise.

‎Beyond logistical challenges, Apac has also faced allegations of electoral malpractice and procedural inconsistencies.

‎At Omukuwie Polling Station in Atik Division, results were halted after a significant discrepancy emerged in the declaration forms.

While only 320 voters reportedly cast their ballots, the official declaration indicated that 750 people had voted despite the polling station having just 681 registered voters.

The inconsistency prompted the immediate suspension of the results pending further investigation.

‎Elsewhere, Apoi Parish (Male Councillor), Apac Sub-county (Older Persons Representative), and Agulu (Older Persons category) each registered tied results, necessitating fresh polling.

‎The youth election in Ibuje Town Council was called off following incidents of violence, while Wormwaka Ward in Agulu Division reported cases of mixed ballot papers at its two polling stations.

‎In Temogo Ward, Arocha Division, Apac Municipality, two polling stations Temogo and Apac Primary School recorded cases where candidates shared the same political symbol, NRM, despite other parties such as UPC being represented.

The duplication of symbols raised concerns about voter confusion and the credibility of the ballot design.

‎Apac District Returning Officer, Mr. Richard Onoba, confirmed receipt of the Commission’s communication and welcomed the adjustment in schedule

‎He noted that the revised date provides sufficient time for electoral officials and candidates to prepare and address the earlier shortcomings

He emphasized the need to restore public confidence and ensure the residual elections are conducted transparently and in strict adherence to established electoral guidelines.

‎With March 12 fast approaching, attention now turns to the Commission’s ability to rectify administrative lapses, prevent further irregularities, and deliver a credible and orderly electoral process in Apac’s affected areas