The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed that a number of aspirants in the 2026 General Elections were declared unopposed, either due to lack of challengers or following disqualification of rival candidates, prompting widespread discussion on electoral competitiveness.
Among the most prominent is Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who was declared unopposed for the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament seat after no valid rival remained at the close of nominations, a scenario permitted under the Parliamentary Elections Act when a sole candidate is duly nominated.
Another notable unopposed candidate is Yasin Omari, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer in the Makindye Division mayoral race, where the EC disqualified 11 rival candidates over irregular nomination signatures and other documentation issues. The disqualifications effectively left Omari without challengers in a contest that has historically been competitive.
Similarly, Phiona Nyamutoro, the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, was officially declared unopposed for the Nebbi Woman MP seat after the Electoral Commission invalidated the nomination of her only challenger, Mercy Rebecca Abedican, following a petition alleging forged signatures. The EC conducted an inter partes hearing before arriving at its decision, which left Nyamutoro as the sole qualified candidate.
While the declaration of unopposed candidates is a routine legal outcome where no valid rival exists, critics argue that such occurrences — especially in high-profile seats — may undermine voter choice and competitive politics. Supporters of the process point out that it is grounded in law, which mandates unopposed candidates be declared elected without a poll if no challengers remain.
Also read: Uganda Electoral Commission Briefs Press on 2026 Election Roadmap
Read via: mrupdates.com
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