Voters in Adjumani West Constituency go to the polls today, Thursday, September 17, 2026, to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of former legislator Gen. Moses Ali.
Gen. Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala on July 18, 2026, leaving the parliamentary seat vacant and triggering the by-election.
A total of 51,437 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 114 polling stations across the constituency. The electorate comprises 27,573 women and 23,864 men. Adjumani West Constituency covers Adjumani Town Council and the sub-counties of Pachara, Adropi, Ciforo and Ukusijoni. It has 23 parishes and 99 villages.
The by-election is being contested by two candidates: National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate James Leku Pilli and independent candidate Gasper Draga.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said polling would run from 7:00am to 4:00pm, after which votes will be counted and results announced at each polling station.
“Voting shall be by universal adult suffrage and shall take place at all the one hundred and fourteen (114) Polling Stations in Adjumani West Constituency,” Byabakama said during a pre-election briefing on Wednesday.
He urged voters to arrive early so that voting can begin on time.
“We strongly urge voters to turn up early at their respective polling stations so that polling processes commence on time, that is, by 7:00am,” he said.
The Electoral Commission has appointed Akao Eunice Christine as the Returning Officer for the by-election.
The tally centre will be at the Adjumani District Local Government Headquarters in Adjumani Town Council. Only candidates and other authorised persons with accreditation tags or cards will be allowed access.
Biometric Voter Verification Kits will be used at all polling stations to confirm voters’ identities before they cast their ballots.
Byabakama has urged candidates, political parties, agents, supporters and other stakeholders to follow electoral laws and guidelines, warning that unlawful conduct would be dealt with.
“I wish to warn all stakeholders in these by-elections that any unlawful conduct will be decisively handled,” he said.
He also assured voters that the Electoral Commission, working with the Uganda Police Force, had made preparations to maintain peace and security throughout the election.
“I call upon the voters to come out early and freely cast their votes. I wish to assure you that the Commission, working with the Uganda Police Force, has made adequate preparations to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment,” Byabakama said.
