By KT Reporter
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has yet to declare flag bearers for Members of Parliament in some regions, although the exercise has been delayed due to irregularities.
According to the Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, results are still pending in Namutumba District in the Busoga region, and Karenga District in Karamoja over several reasons. He had also included Mukono Municipality in the Greater Mukono area, but immediately after the press conference, Diana Nabatanzi Sonko was declared winner at the Electoral Commission offices in Kampala after scrutiny of results.
While addressing the media on the state of the recently concluded party primaries, Dr. Odoi cited challenges such as voter bribery, violence, and tribal politics, which he said have affected the credibility and speed of the process.
Some of the other areas where flag bearers haven’t been announced include Bukoto Central, where he said results are contested in one sub-county, and Bufumbira South, where the results are pending voting in seven villages. Odoi said these villages will be going to the polls on Wednesday this week.
He added that in Ankole sub-region, they haven’t declared results because the Declaration forms are pending verification.
In Kakumiro District, there were disagreements in Bugaingizi South and Hoima, and verification of Declaration forms is ongoing.
“We encountered several challenges, including violence, ballot stuffing, and attempts to alter results in some areas. These incidents have delayed the announcement of flag bearers in certain districts, said Dr Tanga Odoi.
Regions where all results have been declared and MP flag bearers confirmed include Kampala, Greater Mubende, Lango, Acholi, and Bugisu, among others.
Dr. Odoi also appealed to NRM members to prepare for the upcoming party primaries scheduled for July 24–25, which will cover positions such as LC5 chairpersons, Lord Mayor, councillors, and Special Interest Group representatives.
“We encourage all members of the party to turn up and participate in the next phase of primaries. Let’s maintain discipline and follow the party guidelines”, he added.
Meanwhile, the candidates from Namutumba District on Monday appeared before the Electoral Commission following complaints that results were not declared.
The Candidates included Busiki County hopefuls Paul Akamba, State Minister for Housing Princess Persis Namuganza for Bukono County and Mariam Naigaga for District Woman MP and her rival Nakisita Dexter.
While these were saying the results were never declared, the commission had Declaration Forms showing the successful winners.
The Deputy Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission Jachan Michael, advised whoever is aggrieved to file a formal complaint.
The candidates were tense and emotional in the meeting as they exchanged bitter words with each other, as Naigaga kept provoking Namuganza that she had never been declared. Namuganza indicated that the Declaration forms or tallying could have taken place under the bed because it was never done publicly.
Others complained that there was violence and that people were injured. But in response, Namuganza noted that the injured were part of violence and election irregularities and were dealt with immediately by the locals at the scene, thus causing more anger among the people who were in the meeting.
Incumbent MP Paul Akamba also wondered how the Commission could be having results yet there was no tallying. He questioned where the results were obtained from.
The NRM Electoral Commission Tribunal, headed by Lawyer John Musiime, has so far received 50 election petitions.
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