The LC1 by-election in Abayita Ababiri, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District has been again postponed following protests over alleged irregularities and anticipated violence.
According to Electoral Commission Official Agaba Sam Rutemba, the election was called off to avert violence.
He said a fresh date will be announced and communicated to residents.
The postponement came after complaints from candidates and residents over alleged illegal practices during the process.
Independent candidates Abbey Ssebowa and Daniel Seguya Bukenya raised concerns about the conduct of the exercise, tasking officials to either rectify the anomalies or postpone the polls.
The two independent candidates, Abbey Ssebowa and Daniel Seguya Bukenya, jointly accused their NRM rival of mobilizing non-residents to participate in the vote, describing the act as illegal, unacceptable and a deliberate attempt to subvert the will of the people of Abayita Ababiri.
NRM candidate Bunkeddeko Fred Mulumba and his supporters however opposed the decision, arguing that counting should have proceeded.
Tension escalated after reports that some agents and residents were assaulted. Among the victims are Ronald Galiwango, Shamira Najjemba and a woman identified only as Shakirah, who pinned security agencies including the UPDF and Police.
Shamira Najjemba further accused Katabi Town Council Chairperson Frank Kajura, claiming she was targeted after demanding her pay of Shs 30,000 per election day as an agent since the elections began in January.
Chairperson Frank Kajura said the area has had a history of contested elections.
“This is not the first time that Abayita Ababiri is holding an LC1 election. There was a petition filed and the election was nullified. Today we are repeating. However, there were hiccups and the Electoral Commission had not cleared, and residents on one side protested and it has been postponed to next week,” Kajura said.
Residents are now waiting for the Electoral Commission to announce a new date for the fresh election. The last general LC1 election was carried out on 28th July 2026.
