Uganda: PWDs in Sheema Protest Disqualification of Candidate

20 January 2026
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Ambrose Muhumuza

A section of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Sheema District staged a protest on Tuesday, demanding answers from the Electoral Commission (EC) over the disqualification of their preferred candidate, Nagasha Sharon.

Sharon, who was contesting to represent PWDs in the Sheema District Council, was informed on Monday that she had been disqualified and that Kasande Dinavence had been declared unopposed.

Protestors accused the Sheema District Returning Officer, Pius Ahimbisibwe, of corruption and collusion, calling on EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama to investigate.

"Which country is this where some people can sit somewhere and decide for the rest?" asked Majid Segane Lubengo, one of the protestors during the demonstration.

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Nagasha Sharon said the disqualification came despite the fact that Dinavence, who had petitioned the EC on January 3, never appeared for the scheduled hearing on January 5.

Dinavence had challenged Sharon's nomination, alleging she was not a resident of Sheema District.

"You can imagine, much as she petitioned, she never appeared before the commission. I ask myself, how did they reach this ruling without hearing from me?" Sharon questioned, adding that the disqualification letter she received looked forged.

"This letter is forged and everyone can see it. Even before we challenge it, we want the Electoral Commission to come out now and give us an explanation before we head into elections tomorrow," she added.

The protestors staged a 40-minute sit-in at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Jane Asiimwe Muhindo, who assured them that the matter would be addressed promptly.

"We are aware of this case and have already sent a lawyer to Kampala to verify this letter with the Electoral Commission to determine whether it is genuine or fabricated. I promise to give you feedback before 6 PM, but tomorrow all of you should turn up for voting," Muhindo said.

Attempts to reach Sheema District Returning Officer Pius Ahimbisibwe for comment on the allegations were unsuccessful, as he declined to respond.

The protest highlights growing tensions among PWDs and other marginalized groups in the lead-up to the local council elections, raising concerns over transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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