The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has asked the Electoral Commission to disqualify Mary Akol, the ruling party NRM candidate from the ongoing by-election campaigns to fill the vacant seat of the Bukedea District LC5 Chairperson. The FDC claims that Akol does not have the requisite qualification to contest for the seat.

John Kikonyogo, the FDC party Deputy Spokesperson, made the call during the party's weekly press briefing at their headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.

Voting in the by-election to choose a new LC5 chairperson for Bukedea District is scheduled for Wednesday 14th June. The Electoral Commission duly nominated three candidates for the race and they are NRM flag-bearer Mary Akol, FDC's Oita Sam Odeke, and Lokwiisk Tychicus Ebukalin who is an independent candidate. 

Now the FDC party says it has petitioned the Electoral Commission to disqualify NRM's Mary Akol, on allegations that she does not possess the necessary academic qualifications to enable her to compete for the position of district chairperson.

Kikonyogo, who was addressing the FDC weekly press briefing, claimed that during nomination, Akol presented documents which are not valid and not even an equivalent of the minimum A’level certificate which is the basic requirement for one to vie for the District chairperson’s position.

In their petition to the EC, the FDC wants Akol to be disqualified and if it's not done, they say will petition the court.

COU Family TV engaged Paul Bukenya, the Spokesperson Electoral Commission on the matter and this was his response.

The District Chairperson seat for Bukedea District fell vacant following the death of the former Chairperson, Moses Olemukan on 17th December 2022, and the by-election to fill this post is due to take place on Wednesday this week.

Cathy