ARUA, Uganda — The Electoral Commission has nominated Zabibu Elias as the new Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate for the Bazaar Ward Female Councillor seat in Arua City, replacing the late Samira Haruna.
Haruna died Dec. 5, 2025, at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, three days after being admitted for treatment of blood cancer. She was buried in Yumbe District.
With polling little more than a month away, Zabibu — a graduate in accounting — was formally nominated Thursday by Arua City Returning Officer Osman Ezale.
In Bazaar Ward, Zabibu was duly nominated yesterday to fill the vacancy.
Arua City Returning Officer Osman Ezale confirmed the nomination but noted that Zabibu has limited time to campaign, as official campaigns began on 10th November.
Zabibu will face the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Adukudua Zuria, who is also the incumbent Female Councillor of Bazaar Ward. Only two candidates were duly nominated for the race.
Zabibu said she plans to prioritise effective representation of women and improved service delivery, continuing the initiatives outlined in the late Samira’s manifesto.
The FDC party chairperson and parliamentary candidate for Arua Central Division, Muzaid Khemis, expressed confidence that Zabibu will receive full party support during the remaining campaign period.
According to the Electoral Commission’s roadmap, polling for local government councils, including councillors, is scheduled for January 22, 2026.
