Strong turnout on Day 1 local government nominations in Lango, no show for Lira city mayoral aspirants

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Lira city’s mayoral race aspirants for the 2026 General Election on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, did not turn up to be nominated. All four aspirants who had previously collected nomination papers failed to appear on the opening day of candidate submissions.

The development is a stark contrast to the steady stream of councillors vying for local seats. Nominations for local government council seats across the country started ON Wednesday, September 3, with the Electoral Commission (EC) saying the exercise will run till September 24, 2025.

EC has compartmentalised the nominations, with district/city chairpersons, Lord Mayor and councillors being nominated September 3-5, 2025, while municipality/city division chairpersons and councillors (September 8-10, 2025). Municipal division chairpersons and councillors (September 11-24, 2025), sub-county and town chairpersons and councillors (September 23-24, 2025), Presidential (September 23-24, 2025) and directly elected members of Parliament (October 15-16, 2025).

Despite weeks of speculation over potential contenders, Lira city EC returning officer Aggrey Ipeto James confirmed the void at the mayoral level while reporting partial progress elsewhere: 15 councillors secured nominations on the inaugural day, comprising five male directly elected representatives, seven female directly elected councillors, and one candidate each for male and female persons with disabilities.

"On the first day, we expected 10 electoral offices to have competition, but only five had nominations," Ipeto said, emphasising that mayoral candidates and others for district chairperson roles still had time to submit before the September 5 deadline.

"We are expecting the others, including the mayoral candidates, either on Thursday or by September 5 when nominations close."

The Returning Officer praised the day’s orderly conduct, noting all candidates met legal requirements and maintained peace.

"I would like to thank our candidates who have turned up so far for being peaceful."

He issued urgent crowd-control warnings as nominations continue, encouraging those coming to bring only a few people because this is a public office with limited space.

His call followed EC directives limiting supporter numbers to prevent congestion at designated venues operating weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm through September 24.

While Lira city’s top office drew zero candidates on Wednesday, neighbouring districts saw active contests: Oyam’s LC5 chairperson Benson Dila was duly nominated to defend his seat, and Kole district saw Justine Anam and Denis Obol nominated for district chairperson.

Ipeto acknowledged the turnout fell short of projections but stressed the process remained on track.

"The turnout was below expectations, with only half of the anticipated candidates showing up."