LIRA CITY – The nomination of Mr. Robert John Abura as a candidate for LCIII Chairperson of Ober Ward, Lira City West Division, has been formally challenged by a concerned voter who alleges that the candidate is a serving UPDF officer, a status that would disqualify him from holding political office.
Mr. Wacha Vincent, a registered voter and activist of Ober Ward, filed a petition on 3rd August 2026 with the District Electoral Commission in Lira, objecting to Abura's nomination on constitutional and legal grounds.
In his petition, Wacha argues that Abura's nomination violates Article 208(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which states that "the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces shall be non-partisan." He further cites Section 10(1) of the UPDF Act, Cap 330, which prohibits serving members of the Defence Forces from holding office in or being members of any political organization or engaging in political activity.
The petition also references Section 172(1) of the Local Governments Act, Cap 243, which requires that eligibility for Local Council office must comply with the Constitution.
"Mr. Robert John Abura is a serving officer of the UPDF and has not resigned, retired, nor been discharged from service," reads part of the petition.
Wacha is praying that the Electoral Commission:
1. Disqualifies Abura's nomination for LCIII Chairperson of Ober Ward with immediate effect.
2. Directs the candidate to produce proof of discharge from the UPDF as required by law.
3. Ensures compliance with the Constitution and the Local Governments Act.
However, when contacted for comment, Mr. Robert John Abura vehemently denied being a soldier, insisting he is a civilian resident of Ober Ward.
"I am not a soldier but a resident of Ober ward," Abura stated. He further challenged Wacha's standing, claiming that the petitioner is no longer a resident of Ober Ward.
"It's Wacah who is not a member of Ober ward because he sold his house and now he is living in Omodo," Abura said.
Abura invited authorities to verify his status. "He (Wacha)is free to write a complaint to any security office like RCC, UPDF, and others to confirm whether he is a soldier or not. What Wacah is doing is out of fear of losing the election."
Abura also alleged that Wacha himself is a civil servant, being a member of the Kole District Land Board, which would equally raise questions about his own eligibility and neutrality.
Despite the controversy, Abura urged his supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the law would take its course.
"Let my voters be calm because what Waca is doing is out of fear of losing the election," he said.
The Electoral Commission is expected to review the petition and make a determination on whether Abura's nomination stands or is disqualified. The petition has also been copied to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission in Kampala, the Resident City Commissioner of Lira City, the Town Clerk of Lira City West Division, and various security agencies including the UPDF 5th Division Command in Lira Barracks.
As the electoral process unfolds, the residents of Ober Ward await clarity on who will be eligible to contest for the LCIII Chairperson seat.
