Uganda Electoral Commission Dismisses Complaint Over Constituency Name Dispute in Nakawa
The Electoral Commission of Uganda has upheld the nomination of several parliamentary candidates for the Nakawa Division West constituency, dismissing a complaint filed by the incumbent MP, Ivan Bwowe, which challenged the validity of their applications.
The dispute centered on the official name of the constituency. Bwowe, representing the Peoples Front For Freedom, argued that candidates including Joel Ssenyonyi, Happy Nasasira, and others had incorrectly listed their intended constituency as “Nakawa West” on nomination papers, instead of the fully gazetted name “Nakawa Division West.”
In a formal decision letter dated November 21, 2025, and signed by Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Commission deliberated on the complaint raised under the Electoral Commission Act. The Commission made several key observations leading to its dismissal:
- While some candidates’ nomination papers said “Nakawa West,” the crucial Control Form signed by all candidates, including Bwowe, correctly identified the constituency as “Nakawa Division West.”
- All submitted campaign programs showed an intention to campaign in the same geographical area.
- A harmonized campaign schedule for “Nakawa Division West” was successfully agreed upon by all candidates’ agents before the Returning Officer in Kampala by October 31, 2025, correcting any prior error.
- The Commission noted that even Bwowe’s own campaign posters exhibited at the hearing used the shorthand “Nakawa West.”
The Commission concluded that the complaint lacked merit, stating, “the Commission upholds the decision of the Returning Officer, Kampala in nominating the Respondents.”
Reactions to the Ruling
Following the decision, MP Ivan Bwowe issued a statement acknowledging the Commission’s recognition of the proper gazetted name but criticizing the ruling.
“I am humbled that EC recognises the proper gazetted constituency as NAKAWA DIVISION WEST,”Bwowe wrote. “However, the EC venturing in non legal considerations as basis to dismiss a legal matter is ridiculous. I call it to higher standards.”
He announced plans to consult his legal team to explore further legal remedies,ending with, “The struggle continues.”
One of the upheld candidates, Joel Ssenyonyi, responded on social media platform X, stating, “The petition against me and the other candidates in Nakawa West has been dismissed for lack of merit. The PFF candidate who petitioned the Electoral Commission should simply go on ground and face the voters of Nakawa West, shortcuts will not work for him.”
The Electoral Commission has officially communicated its dismissal decision to the Returning Officer for Kampala and all the concerned candidates, allowing the campaign for the Nakawa Division West parliamentary seat to proceed.
About The Author
