The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially dismissed a petition filed by lawyer and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) candidate Ivan Bwowe, clearing all candidates nominated for the Nakawa Division West parliamentary race.
In its ruling under MIN. COMP 042/2025, the EC upheld the Returning Officer’s decision and confirmed that the nominations were lawfully conducted. EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said Bwowe’s complaint “had no merit and is hereby dismissed.”
Bwowe had argued that several candidates were nominated under a “non-existent constituency” he referred to as Nakawa West, insisting that only Nakawa Division West exists legally.
He asked the EC to cancel the nominations of: Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi,Happy Nasasira,Herbert Anderson Burora,Rwamiti Apuuli,Wilberforce Kyambadde,Vincent Norbert Okumu and Felix Ephraim Okuye.
Bwowe claimed that inconsistencies in constituency naming, voter registers, and campaign programme submissions were enough to invalidate their nominations and leave him as the unopposed candidate.
But the Commission ruled otherwise. Evidence tabled showed that:
All aspirants signed Control Forms with the correct constituency name.
All candidates submitted campaign schedules for the same geographical area.
Even Bwowe’s own documents, including posters, used the terms Nakawa West and Nakawa Division West interchangeably.
The EC confirmed that any minor clerical issues were already resolved during the harmonisation meeting of October 31, days before Bwowe lodged his petition.
With the petition dismissed, all nominees including Bwowe remain valid candidates for the 2026 parliamentary elections.
Incumbent MP Joel Ssenyonyi applauded the ruling, saying:
“The petition against me and the other candidates has been dismissed for lack of merit. The PFF candidate should focus on campaigning shortcuts won’t work.”Joel said.
The decision now sets the stage for a heated and highly competitive battle for the Nakawa Division West seat as the 2026 elections draw nearer.
