By KT Reporter
Mark Auss, a resident of Ogonyo Village in Kadie Parish, Otuboi Sub County, Kalaki District, has petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to verify the academic qualifications of Moses Oriada, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate for the 2026/2031 District Chairperson elections.
In a September 14, 2025, letter addressed to the Chairperson of the EC’s Complaint Desk in Kampala, Auss, a registered voter, questioned Oriada’s eligibility, alleging that he does not possess the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent—one of the requirements for the office of Chairperson, Local Council V.
“It has come to my attention that Oriada Moses is known not to possess the required qualification of Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or its equivalent, which is necessary for the office of the Chairperson of Local Council Five. Nonetheless, he was duly nominated by the Kalaki District Returning Officer on September 4, 2025,” Auss wrote.
As a concerned citizen and registered voter at Otole Catholic (A-A) polling station, Auss urged the Commission to determine Oriada’s eligibility for the position.
In response, Oriada dismissed the allegations as unfounded rumors meant to tarnish his image, insisting he is focused on the elections. “When people see you as a threat, they tend to spread stories,” he said, noting that he has previously faced both verbal and physical confrontations following his nominations. He urged his supporters to remain calm as he prepares for the campaign.
Kalaki District Returning Officer, Leontine Nsungwa, confirmed that Oriada submitted academic documents in line with EC guidelines. She added that a copy of the complaint had been forwarded to headquarters for further review.
Oriada, currently the LC3 Chairperson for Otuboi Sub-County, secured a decisive victory in the recent NRM primaries, polling 21,506 votes against his closest rival, Major (Rtd) Patrick Eyangu, who garnered 6,908 votes. Other contenders included Pascal Engwau for LCV Vice Chairperson and Immaculate Ilado, the District Speaker.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama said the Commission is currently handling close to 100 petitions arising from recent local polls, about 30 of which have already been heard. “We hear everyone—petitioners, respondents, even returning officers,” Byabakama said. “If evidence shows wrongful exclusions, the law lets the EC reinstate candidates, ensuring equity at every level.
”Byabakama reiterated the Commission’s pledge to transparency as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections. “Transparency is our cornerstone. We’ll deliver a credible 2026 poll for all Ugandans,” he said.With certification pending and campaigns expected to begin in October, the Kalaki LCV race is shaping up to be highly competitive, centering on jobs, rights, and governance reforms.
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