Charles Muyimbwa of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was assigned a symbol (watch) that did not belong to him, while independent candidate Hannington Ssebadda assigned umbrella.
The Electoral Commission has cancelled voting for the position of Direct Councillor in Nyenje and Seeta wards following an error in the placement of candidates’ symbols on the ballot paper, disrupting the electoral process in the area.
According to the Electoral Commission, the mix-up involved the misallocation of symbols among candidates contesting for the same position.
Charles Muyimbwa of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was assigned a symbol (watch) that did not belong to him, while independent candidate Hannington Ssebadda assigned umbrella.
Only Edward Mukuye of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retained his correct bus symbol.
As a result, the Returning Officer for Mukono Municipality, Emily Amongin, suspended voting for the affected position in Nyenje and Seeta wards until further notice, citing the need to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from candidates, who say the cancellation exposes them to unexpected financial losses.
Ssebadda described the move as costly and disruptive, noting that candidates had already spent money on campaigns and paid polling agents in anticipation of the vote.
He argued that any fresh exercise would amount to a special election for the position, further straining their limited resources.
Godfrey Mubiru, also known as Vanilla, an NUP supervisor at Goma Division, said the cancellation was a major setback for candidates and voters alike.
He explained that voters had prepared to cast their ballots for multiple positions, including LC5 chairperson, male councillor and female councillor on the same day, and the abrupt change had caused confusion and frustration.
Despite the setback in Nyenje and Seeta wards, low voter turnout reportedly continues across other polling stations in the district.
