By Sulaiman Kauki
ADJUMANI.At least 10 aspirants have expressed interest in contesting for the vacant Adjumani West Constituency parliamentary seat.
This follows the death of former first deputy prime Minister and long-serving area MP, Gen Moses Ali.
Ali, who represented Adjumani West in Parliament for several years, died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, triggering a political contest to replace him.
Those who have so far expressed interest include former Adjumani District LCV chairpersons Ben Anyama, Nixon Owole and James Leku Pilli; former Moyo West County MP Santos Piro Eruaga; Daniel Izale, who has been endorsed by the Patriotic League of Uganda; Gasper Draga; Kassim Ali, the son of Gen. Moses Ali; Justin Mawadri; Richard Madrara Obuni; and Patrick Tandrupasi.
Some of the aspirants have already started engaging voters through meetings, media appearances and community consultations, while others are expected to formally declare their candidacies.
The Electoral Commission has already released a roadmap for the by-election, with polling scheduled for September 17, 2026.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held at Adjumani District Headquarters on August 3, Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama outlined the programme leading to the election.
The roadmap provides for the nomination of candidates, followed by the official campaign period before polling day.
The Commission has also urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to comply with electoral laws and maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Gen. Moses Ali, whose long political career made him a dominant figure in Adjumani and the wider West Nile region.
His death has created an opportunity for a new representative to serve Adjumani West for the remainder of the parliamentary term.
With 10 aspirants already showing interest, the contest is expected to intensify as the nomination process approaches.
Attention will now turn to the nomination of candidates and the eventual list of contenders who will appear on the ballot on September 17.