UPC’s Akello petitions Kwania EC to disqualify NRM’s Wonjaga

5 August 2026, 6:40 pm

By Our Editorial

The UPC flag bearer for the Teduka Ward LCII Chairperson seat in Aduku Town Council has petitioned the Kwania District Electoral Commission, seeking the disqualification of an NRM candidate over alleged eligibility concerns.

Mildred Akello, the UPC flag bearer, wants fellow NRM flag bearer Calvin Wonjaga, also known as Ogwal Nile, removed from the race. She argues that Wonjaga’s nomination does not comply with the laws governing local council elections in Uganda.

According to a petition seen by our reporter, Akello alleges that Wonjaga was elected as a member of the Executive Committee of Aduku UCC Cell by Alea Francis, a public servant who currently serves as the LC1 Chairperson of the cell. She contends that the process was unlawful, arguing that Francis should have resigned from public service before contesting for and serving as LC1 Chairperson.

Akello further claims that Wonjaga’s election as a member of the Aduku UCC Cell Executive Committee was not legally constituted and should therefore disqualify him from contesting for the Teduka Ward LCII Chairperson position.

Meanwhile, Moses Odwono, the UPC Registrar for Kwania District, confirmed that the UPC has also submitted a separate petition to the district electoral authorities. He said the petition seeks clarification on the legality of several public servants serving as LC1 Chairpersons in Aduku Town Council.

He cited Opio Alex, a teacher at Aduku Secondary School who serves as LC1 Chairperson of Aduku SS Cell; Alea Francis of Aduku UCC Cell; Agwang Joyce, a teacher at Ikwera Primary School who serves as LC1 Chairperson of Ikwera Cell; and Richard Otyek, a medical officer at Aduku Health Centre IV who serves as LC1 Chairperson of Akaidebe Cell.

Responding to the allegations, Calvin Wonjaga said he had not yet received the petition and therefore could not comment in detail. He said he would respond after obtaining a copy of the complaint.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kwania, Obada Ceasar, confirmed that he had received the petition and that the matter was being handled through the appropriate channels.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Shara Kezia Birungi, the Kwania District Electoral Officer, were unsuccessful by the time of filing this report.

The story is still developing, and we will provide updates as the Kwania District Electoral Commission responds to the petitions.