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Kakwanzi Elizabeth, who was vying for National Youth Member of Parliament (Western Region)
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Our Reporter
The Electoral Commission has cancelled the nomination of Kakwanzi Elizabeth, who was vying for National Youth Member of Parliament (Western Region), after an investigation uncovered irregularities in the supporter documents she submitted for nomination. In a decision dated November 23, 2025, and addressed to her lawyers at Spatium Advocates, the Commission said it had reviewed a complaint filed under Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap. 176. The complaint questioned the authenticity of information contained in Kakwanzi's nomination papers.
According to the complaint, two of Kakwanzi's supporters, Niwagaba Believe and Owenyesigye Aloysious, appeared on her supporters' list under the same National Identification Number (NIN).
The petitioner argued that this duplication amounted to misrepresentation of facts, contrary to the requirements of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which demands that all information supplied by a candidate be truthful and accurate.
Kakwanzi, in her defence, admitted that the NIN in question belonged to Niwagaba Believe but said it had been mistakenly written against the name of Owenyesigye Aloysious. However, after hearing both sides and analysing its voter database, the Electoral Commission found additional anomalies.
These included irregular signatures, such as that of supporter Rujumba Jasin, whose details did not match the signature appearing on Kakwanzi's nomination papers; alterations on the supporters' list, including whitewashed names and changes made without counter-signatures; and evidence suggesting substituted names or tampering with the list submitted to the Returning Officer.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, noted in the ruling that the findings could not be taken lightly. "The Commission observed discrepancies that go to the root of the nomination process," he said.
While the Commission ruled that the NIN duplication alone was an error that did not invalidate her bid, it found that the altered supporters' list and questionable signatures violated Sections 28(1)(c) and 30(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177.
The EC letter
Byabakama emphasised the importance of integrity in the electoral process, stating, "Any alterations, forged signatures or misrepresentations compromise the transparency required by law. The Commission is obligated to act where such irregularities are proven."
As a result, the Commission declared Kakwanzi Elizabeth's nomination null and void, effectively removing her from the race for National Youth MP (Western Region). In the decision, Byabakama concluded, "The cumulative effect of these irregularities renders the nomination invalid, and the candidate stands de-nominated."
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