Bukedea, Uganda — The Bukedea District Electoral Commission has officially released the campaign schedule for all aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be a tightly contested race in both Bukedea and Kachumbala counties.
According to the roadmap issued by the District Returning Officer, Mr. Charles Joel Muganyi, the official campaign period will commence on November 10, 2025, and run until January 12, 2026, just three days before the country heads to the polls on January 15, 2026. The general elections will include the presidential, parliamentary, and local government races across Uganda.
Four Days of Campaigning per Sub-County
During a harmonization meeting held at the Bukedea District headquarters on Thursday morning, Mr. Muganyi announced that each candidate will be allocated four days of campaigning in every sub-county. The arrangement, he said, was reached in consultation with political party representatives and independent aspirants to ensure fairness and avoid campaign clashes.
“Bukedea District comprises 11 sub-counties, while Kachumbala County has five sub-counties. Each aspirant will be expected to follow the agreed timetable and strictly operate within the four-day campaign window per sub-county,” Mr. Muganyi said.
He added that the commission had finalized discussions with the security agencies to ensure maximum safety throughout the campaign period. “We expect every candidate to respect the roadmap and avoid any form of violence or intimidation. Both aspirants and their supporters must maintain discipline throughout the campaign period,” he emphasized.
Focus on Peace and Compliance
The harmonization meeting brought together representatives from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and various independent candidates. Security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force and Internal Security Organization (ISO), were also represented.
Mr. Muganyi reminded all candidates that the Electoral Commission’s mandate is to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections. He cautioned against acts that could incite violence or disrupt public order. “We want to see peaceful, issue-based campaigns that focus on development rather than personal attacks. Anyone who violates the electoral guidelines will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He further noted that the commission would deploy a monitoring team to every sub-county to track compliance with the set schedule and ensure equal access to public spaces such as playgrounds and community centers for rallies.
Confirmed Candidates for Bukedea County
In Bukedea County, the parliamentary race has attracted five aspirants, setting up one of the most competitive contests in the sub-region. The confirmed candidates include:
David Beecham Okwere – NRM Flagbearer
John Bosco Ikojo – Incumbent MP (Independent)
Rose Akol Okullu – EALA MP (Independent)
Silas Opejo – Independent
John Micheal Odeke – Independent
Mr. David Beecham Okwere, who was declared the NRM flagbearer after a tightly contested party primary, has already called for unity and discipline among his supporters. Speaking shortly after the release of the campaign schedule, Okwere commended the Electoral Commission for maintaining transparency and urged fellow candidates to uphold peace during the campaign period.
“I am committed to running a peaceful campaign in line with the commission’s rules, and I encourage my fellow candidates to do the same,” Okwere said. “Our focus should be on service delivery, youth empowerment, and inclusive development for all residents of Bukedea County.”
Mr. John Bosco Ikojo, the incumbent MP who will be defending his seat as an independent candidate, expressed confidence in his record of service, highlighting his achievements in education, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment. “I believe the people of Bukedea will judge based on performance and not political color,” he told journalists after the meeting.
Kachumbala County Race Takes Shape
In Kachumbala County, two aspirants have been officially confirmed by the district Electoral Commission:
Patrick Opolot Isiagi – NRM Flagbearer
Charles Ongelech – National Unity Platform (NUP)
Mr. Patrick Opolot Isiagi, the current MP and chairperson of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, will be seeking re-election under the NRM ticket. He is expected to rely on his track record in fiscal management and constituency development to retain the seat. Isiagi urged his supporters to remain law-abiding and to engage in constructive campaigning.
On the other hand, Charles Ongelech, the NUP candidate, is facing scrutiny following allegations that he forged signatures during the nomination process. A voter, George Atum, filed a petition to the Electoral Commission claiming that six signatures submitted by Ongelech were fraudulent. The matter has since been referred to the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, where a hearing was held on Thursday.
While investigations continue, Mr. Muganyi confirmed that Ongelech remains a duly nominated candidate until a final decision is made. “We are aware of the petition filed against one of the candidates, and the matter is under review by the national Electoral Commission. We will act based on the official communication from the headquarters,” he clarified.
Security and Code of Conduct
Security officials at the meeting assured all aspirants of equal protection during the campaign period. The Bukedea District Police Commander, ASP Sarah Akurut, said a special security plan had been developed to prevent confrontations and illegal processions.
“We have agreed that each candidate must submit their campaign itinerary in advance for security coordination. Any unauthorized rallies or processions will not be tolerated,” she stated. “We want to ensure that Bukedea remains peaceful and that campaigns are conducted in accordance with the law.”
The District Peace Committee will also be activated to mediate any emerging disputes during the campaign season.
Electoral Commission Calls for Voter Education
The District Returning Officer announced that the Electoral Commission would intensify voter education programs across all sub-counties ahead of the elections. The exercise aims to guide voters on how to verify their names in the register, understand voting procedures, and discourage electoral malpractices such as bribery and multiple voting.
“Voter education is key to reducing invalid votes and misunderstandings on polling day. We encourage all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, to support this effort,” Mr. Muganyi noted.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the campaign period approaches, excitement is building across Bukedea District, with both incumbents and new entrants promising to deliver change and development. Residents are hopeful that the elections will be conducted peacefully, setting an example for other districts in the Teso Sub-region.
With barely two days left before campaigns kick off, all eyes are now on the candidates as they prepare to present their manifestos to the electorate. The Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the 2026 general elections are conducted under the principles of transparency, fairness, and credibility.
“The 2026 elections will be a true test of our democratic maturity,” Mr. Muganyi concluded. “We urge everyone — candidates, supporters, and voters — to respect the process, keep peace, and let the people’s voice prevail through the ballot.”
