Politics 24 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bukedea Aspirants Demand Apology from Anita Among Over Alleged Electoral Irregularities
Several politicians blocked from contesting in Bukedea district have accused former Speaker Anita Among of orchestrating intimidation and electoral manipulation, demanding a public apology. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ex-speaker-anita-among-s-barred-rivals-demand-apology-5472060
A group of politicians who were prevented from participating in recent elections in Bukedea District have voiced strong accusations against former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. They allege that Among utilized state institutions, including the Electoral Commission and the courts, to unfairly block their nominations and intimidate them during the 2021 and 2026 electoral cycles.
According to Mercy Marion Alupo of the National Unity Platform (NUP), she and other candidates were denied their right to run for the Bukedea Woman MP seat based on unsubstantiated claims of non-residency and voter registration issues. Alupo contends that these actions undermined their fundamental rights as citizens.
Norma Suzan Otai of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) echoed these sentiments, claiming her appeal against the Electoral Commission’s decision was dismissed without her or her lawyer’s awareness. She described a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation targeting her family and supporters, aimed at dissuading her from pursuing legal challenges.
Hellen Akol Odeke, an NRM member, stated her exclusion from NRM primaries was due to her name being removed from the party register. Some aspirants, speaking anonymously for fear of retribution, reported facing threats of arrest and pointed to alleged judicial and security sector complicity in shielding the former Speaker.
Charles Ongelech, the NUP flag bearer for Kachumbala County, detailed how his supporters were allegedly intimidated and tortured into withdrawing their backing, leading to his disqualification. Former Bukedea County MP John Bosco Ikojo asserted that voters in Bukedea were effectively disenfranchised due to these alleged manipulations.
The aggrieved politicians are calling for fresh elections in Bukedea and demanding transparency and accountability from the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary. They believe Anita Among feared open competition due to a decline in her local popularity.
Attempts to reach Anita Among, the Electoral Commission, the police, and the Judiciary for comment were unsuccessful by press time. These entities have previously denied any wrongdoing.