news 14 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Four Arrested in Mukono Over Alleged Electoral Commission Office Break-in
Police in Mukono have arrested four individuals in connection with an alleged break-in and tampering with election materials at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices, just as election petition hearings are set to commence. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/election-petitions-police-arrest-four-over-alleged-mukono-ec-office-break-in-5594750
Authorities in Mukono District have apprehended four people following reports of an alleged break-in at the local Electoral Commission (EC) offices. The incident, said to have occurred Sunday night, involved the alleged tampering with election materials.
The alleged security breach comes at a critical time, as courts nationwide are beginning to hear election petitions stemming from the recent 2026 General Election.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Rachel Kawala, confirmed that an inquiry has been opened into the matter at Mukono Police Station. However, the Mukono returning officer, George William Eliau, has disputed the claims, stating that there was no break-in and nothing untoward happened at the offices.
These conflicting accounts have sparked concern among voters and political figures, particularly as election petitions involving candidates from Mukono are scheduled for court.
Mukono North MP Abdullah Kiwanuka, present at the police station, informed this publication that he was briefed about the alleged tampering with election boxes. He voiced suspicion, suggesting a potential attempt to manipulate court proceedings and pave the way for by-elections. Kiwanuka further alleged a coordinated effort between the EC and losing candidates seeking to overturn results.
Kiwanuka himself is facing an election petition filed by former Water Minister Ronald Kibuule, citing irregularities in the 2026 General Election. This case is slated for hearing at Mukono High Court on September 21. Another petition, filed by Daisy Sonko Nabatanzi against Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke, is scheduled to begin at the same court on September 24.
Voters have expressed unease over the conflicting reports, questioning the integrity of election materials ahead of the crucial court proceedings. The ongoing police investigation and the allegations of tampering have not yet been independently verified.