By The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Ankunda Best Arnold, People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and a former guild president of Bishop Stuart University, from contesting the Isingiro North parliamentary seat. Ankunda had sought to challenge the long-serving incumbent and State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore.
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According to an official communication from the EC, Ankunda’s nomination papers were found invalid after he submitted only nine verified voter signatures, falling short of the ten required by law.
The Commission’s ruling follows a hearing on November 13 and 14, 2025, during which evidence and submissions from both the petitioner and the respondent were considered. The EC noted that some of the purported supporters listed on Ankunda’s nomination forms denied endorsing him, while attempts to submit recorded phone conversations as evidence were rejected for lack of authentication.
The EC stated that one of the petitioners, Naiga Stella, failed to appear as a credible witness, further undermining the respondent’s claims. In its findings, the Commission highlighted that Ankunda did not comply with section 28 (1) (c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap. 177, which requires candidates to submit ten valid supporters’ signatures.
Justice Byabakama-Mugerry Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, confirmed that the nomination of Ankunda Best Arnold is annulled, and the decision of the Returning Officer, Isingiro Electoral District, in nominating him is quashed. Copies of the decision have been sent to the Returning Officer and the candidate.
With Ankunda’s disqualification, the Isingiro North parliamentary race is now a contest between the incumbent Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore and Anthony Rutahwiire of the Alliance for National Transformation.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and referenda.
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