By KT Reporter
The race for Luwero’s local government leadership has drawn intense interest, with 812 aspirants so far cleared to contest for various seats.
The Electoral Commission (EC) set September 11–24, 2025, for the nomination of candidates vying for sub-county and town council positions, including LCIII chairpersons, parish councillors, and representatives of Special Interest Groups.
In Luwero District, nominations have been conducted at the district headquarters but shifted this morning to the EC offices for the final push. Returning Officer Sam Agaba Rutemba explained that each sub-county and town council was allocated a specific day to avoid congestion and ensure all aspirants get a fair shot at nomination.
By midday Wednesday, Rutemba reported that 812 candidates had successfully secured their place on the ballot for LCV and LCIII positions, including Special Interest Groups. “The number could edge slightly higher,” he added, noting that the office remains open until 5 p.m. for last-minute hopefuls.
The ballot will be crowded, with five contenders for the District Chairperson (LCV) seat, 18 sub-county chairperson posts, 204 parish councillor positions, 35 directly elected district councillor slots, and 108 Special Interest Group representatives.
So far, 125 contenders have been cleared for the 35 district councillor seats and the coveted LCV chair. Heavyweights in the LCV race include incumbent Erastus Kibirango (NUP), Rashidah Birungi (NRM), Lawrence Ssebuufu (FDC), and independents Ramathan Abdullahi and Vincent Ssebayiga.
Still, the nomination desks remained busy as the clock ticked down. John Bosco Bukenya, eyeing the LC III chair of Butuntumula sub-county, arrived late after what he described as a “bureaucratic maze” in resigning from the civil service. Bukenya said he had finally cleared the paperwork and remained optimistic of making the list before the cut-off.
For some, the process has been bruising. Tom Badda Kimbowa, the incumbent LCIII chair of Makulubita, called this year’s exercise “troublesome,” blaming confusion within his own party, the National Unity Platform. Fearing that a rival had already secured a fraudulent endorsement on the NUP ticket, Badda said he spent the night in Luwero town to ensure he was among the first at the venue when doors opened.
According to the EC roadmap, local government campaigns begin on November 10, while nominations for Parliamentary seats are scheduled for October 22-23. With party loyalties tested and independents keen to disrupt the status quo, Luwero’s road to the 2025/26 polls promises an energetic and unpredictable fight for grassroots power.
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