By KT Reporter
A tense and fierce atmosphere engulfed Naluvule village, Wakoba parish in Nakisunga Sub County, Mukono district, during the youth leaders’ election at the parish level. The situation escalated when the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by Parish Vice Chairperson Christopher Mwase and other party leaders, reportedly ambushed youth voters, pushing some into their homes. Village chairman and NRM chairperson Dorothy Nabanja was seen promising money to voters to influence the election.
This move angered members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who decided to withdraw from the voting area to regroup. However, tensions grew when NRM members allegedly started pulling away some NUP voters, leading to heated exchanges accusing the youths of disrupting the election despite their age.
Meanwhile, the voter registrar was busy coordinating on the phone to resolve the chaos. Eventually, voters were called back, including those previously held at Nabanja’s residence, to the polling station at the pitch. After addressing the voters and confirming the voter register, the election proceeded for nine youth leadership seats, all of which were won by NUP candidates.
A dramatic moment unfolded during the race for Publicity Secretary between Ronald Sekatte (NRM) and Owen Wayirise (NUP). Sekatte declined to continue contesting and appeared to side with NUP, but when it was his turn to vote, he left the NUP line and returned to NRM supporters, who refused to accept him, accusing him of betrayal. Wayirise ultimately won the seat.
Sekatte defended his decision, stating he prioritizes ability over party loyalty, though he claims to have faced beatings from his former colleagues. Among the elected youth leaders are journalist Stuart Katende as Vice Chairperson and Mathias Balukusa as Chairperson. They described the election as a tough battle, noting that NRM officials stayed overnight in the village to sway voters. Despite this, some NRM candidates who did not expect to win also emerged victorious.
“It has been a war to win this election,” said one victorious candidate. “Some NRM bosses spent the night in our area trying to frustrate the election, but thankfully, their plan did not work.” The winners praised the youth for resisting bribery and choosing candidates based on capability. They pledged to serve all youths fairly, regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing that public services should transcend party lines.
On the other hand, Amos Mafaba, who contested for Vice Chairperson of the ward, alongside NRM Vice Chairperson Christopher Mwase, acknowledged internal party tensions. Mafaba blamed treachery and hypocrisy within NRM for their losses but promised to engage with party authorities to address the issues-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
