By:Abitegeka Gerald
KIKUUBE
The Electoral Commission has upheld the nomination of Kikuube District Chairperson candidates Paddy Kisembo and Fenekansi Timanyire after dismissing a petition challenging their nomination.
In a decision dated June 10, 2026, the Commission rejected a complaint filed by Burnett Philip Mbabazi, who had challenged the nomination of the two candidates and also protested his own disqualification from the race.
Mbabazi had alleged that the Returning Officer unfairly declined to nominate him, citing inconsistencies in his academic qualifications and insufficient supporters endorsing his nomination.
He further argued that both Kisembo and Timanyire had failed to meet the legal requirements regarding supporters for their nominations.
However, after reviewing submissions from all parties and the Returning Officer’s report, the Electoral Commission found that Mbabazi presented a Degree of Associate of Arts in Real Estate awarded by Los Angeles College in the United States but failed to provide certification from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) as required under Sections 123(4) and 123(5) of the Local Governments Act.
The Commission also established that available evidence showed both Paddy Kisembo and Fenekansi Timanyire had submitted the required number of supporters endorsing their respective nominations.
As a result, the Commission found no merit in Mbabazi’s petition and dismissed it .
The ruling, signed by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, consequently upheld the Returning Officer’s decision nominating Paddy Kisembo and Fenekansi Timanyire for the Kikuube District Chairperson race.
The decision clears the two candidates to continue with their campaigns ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
