EC Warns Against Violence, Hate Speech in Kikuube LC5 By-Election

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued stern warnings against violence during the Kikuube LCV By- Election campaigns, and reminded the candidates, and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the campaign period and the entire electoral process. 

Last week, the Electoral Commission (EC) nominated two candidates to contest in the Kikuube LCV By-election. They are Phenekansi Timanyire and Paddy Kisembo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party. 

Campaigns have since begun and will run up to June 16, 2026 while voting has been scheduled for June 18th, 2026. 

Emmanuel Twiine, the Kikuube District Returning officer has appealed to the candidates to prevent their supporters from engaging fights or hate speech, and has directed them to ensure compliance with campaign laws.      

Twiine has also warned against the use of violence in the electoral process, describing it as a serious threat to democracy and the will of the people as enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Angalia warned that security is ready to deal with anyone who will jeopardise peace before, during and after the election and appealed to candidates, their agents, and supporters to strictly follow the harmonized campaign program in order to avoid clashes and ensure peaceful elections. 

Phenekansi Timanyire, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate in the race has however warned against the involvement of security personnel in the entire electoral process saying the people of Kikuube should be left to exercise their constitutional mandate by electing a candidate of their choice without any interference.

According to the released roadmap from the EC, issuance of Voter Location Slips by parish supervisors will be from June 1 to June 10, as well as training for polling officials, tally clerks, and BVVK operators from June 4 to June 5 among other activities.

The by-election follows the death of former Kikuube District Chairperson Peter Banura, who died in a road accident on April 4, 2026, along the Hoima–Fort Portal Road. Banura reportedly parked his official vehicle by the roadside and was speaking to a group of people when a speeding taxi rammed into them, killing him instantly. He was 48 years old.


The late Banura, son of Matayo Kyaligonza, was first elected Kikuube District Chairperson in 2021 and had recently secured re-election with 37,455 votes, defeating Phenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform, who garnered 6,230 votes. 

The by-election was triggered by the death of former Kikuube District Chairperson Peter Banura, who died in a road accident on April 4, 2026, along the Hoima-Fort Portal Road.