BUKEDEA – Frustrated residents in Bukedea District have revived demands for a fresh election for the Woman MP seat, arguing that the previous flawed electoral process robbed them of a genuine chance to choose their leader.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The renewed outcry follows the recent ceremonial inauguration at Parliament, where incumbents, including the former Speaker and current Bukedea Woman MP, Anita Among, took their oaths to begin their legislative roles.
Patrick Okurut, a resident of Kabarwa area, maintains that voters were never given any meaningful opportunity to participate in the democratic process of selecting their preferred leader.
“We were never given any meaningful opportunity to participate in the democratic process of selecting our preferred leader. We have been sidelined from a decision that directly affects our representation,” said Patrick Okurut.
The controversy traces back to the run-up to the January 15, 2026, general elections, where Ms. Among was controversially declared unopposed after a series of disqualifications, withdrawals, and legal hurdles eliminated nearly all of her significant challengers.
According to electoral records, her main rival, National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Florence Asio, failed to appear at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices on her booked nomination date of October 23, 2025.
Meanwhile, during the NRM party primaries, Ms. Among’s only challenger, Hellen Akol Odeke, was disqualified over failure to meet residency and eligibility rules.
Other hopefuls were barred due to technical issues, including forged academic papers, insufficient voter signatures, and residency concerns.
Several opposition aspirants withdrew from the race, citing an unfair playing field, while FDC aspirant Norma Susan Otai subsequently filed a lawsuit against Ms. Among and the EC, alleging systematic obstruction and intimidation of rivals.
While opposition parties claim a coordinated effort to suppress competition, the Electoral Commission maintained that Among was the sole candidate who met all legal and procedural requirements.
Residents, however, are not convinced thus arguing that the disqualification and withdrawal of potential challengers effectively denied the electorate a competitive contest.
“An election without choices is not an election. The previous outcome is a point of deep concern for our community. We want a fresh vote where our voices can actually be heard,” Okurut added.
The election has left unresolved grievances in its wake, and as the debate reignites, local leaders and electoral authorities may face growing pressure to address persistent demands for a fresh vote.
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