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One of the ballot boxes with a broken seal ;Photos Bruno Mugizi
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Sheema
Four ballot boxes delivered to Sheema District ahead of the 2026 General Elections were found with broken seals, Electoral Commission officials have confirmed. District Returning Officer Pius Ahimbisibwe said the affected boxes included one from Sheema Municipality, two from Sheema South, and one from Sheema North.
He attributed the damage to packing challenges during transportation and assured the public that the issue was immediately addressed. “The seals were damaged during packing, but they were promptly replaced in the presence of security officers and candidates’ representatives. The integrity of the electoral process has not been compromised,” Ahimbisibwe said.
The affected polling stations included Kitagata Town Council, Kyarushakara Ward, Bwooma I Primary School, Karera North Ward (Kikonko Church of Uganda), Kyabuharambo Healing Centre polling station, and Kishabya Trading Centre, Kyenjojo polling station in Sheema South Constituency. Ahimbisibwe called on voters to turn out in large numbers, assuring them that all necessary measures were in place to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
By January 12, 2026, all districts in the Greater Bushenyi sub-region—Bushenyi, Sheema, Buhweju, Mitooma, and Rubirizi—had received all ballot boxes and other electoral materials. These were distributed under the supervision of District Police Commanders working alongside district election authorities.
A total of 1,519 ballot boxes were distributed: Bushenyi (384), Sheema (374), Buhweju (223), Mitooma (316), and Rubirizi (222).
Sheema District Electoral officials checking thd ballot boxes
Greater Bushenyi sub-region Regional Police Spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa said security was immediately stepped up to ensure the safe custody of all election materials at district Electoral Commission stores.
“Police, in liaison with other security agencies, have deployed adequately to guarantee the safety and integrity of all election materials received. The public should remain calm and confident that the process is being professionally secured,” Tayebwa said. He urged residents to continue partnering with security agencies by remaining law-abiding and observing all Electoral Commission laws and police guidelines throughout the electoral process.
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