By KT Reporter
Tension has erupted at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters in Kyadondo, as hundreds of supporters of candidates in the Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) primaries stormed the offices, protesting alleged plans to rig the results.
The angry supporters backing former Kampala Resident City Commissioner Aminah Lukanga Nanziri and her rival Shamim Nanfuma accused each other of manipulating results and demanded transparency in the vote tallying process.
Although results from the five divisions of Kampala were announced on Thursday, the NRM Electoral Commission has not yet declared the overall winner, sparking outrage among the supporters.
Some of the supporters of Nanfuma alleged that results were changing overnight and that they are hearing that what they have now is different from what they were hearing.
The demonstrators, waving campaign posters of both candidates, demanded to be allowed inside the offices to witness the verification and final announcement of results.
John Kibirige, a Lukanga supporter, accused Nanfuma of not conducting a proper campaign but now attempting to “steal” the win.
Nanfuma, who looked frustrated, insisted she had secured victory in four out of five divisions and was confident she had won fairly.
She expected a free and fair election and stated that she doesn’t understand how Lukanga claims to have secured votes in Central Division that are more than the number of registered voters.
Some of her supporters, including Andrew Wamala, threatened to defect to the opposition if Lukanga is declared the winner.
For over an hour, the crowd was denied access to the NRM offices, as security personnel sealed off the premises. Eventually, a security guard appeared with a megaphone, announcing that only individuals with written petitions would be allowed entry.
However, with no official declaration of the winner yet made, most supporters questioned how they could file formal petitions.
Among those present was Jowelia Zaake, another candidate in the race, who said she came to assess her performance.
A handful of supporters of Hajjati Safina Kenyangi were also seen outside the premises, holding placards in solidarity with their candidate.
The situation remains tense, and no official from the party attended to the angry members. Lukanga is also present, looking equally frustrated
Meanwhile, the NRM Registry of the Elections Tribunal has also opened and has kicked off registration of petitions arising from yesterday’s elections. Whoever is aggrieved has until Monday to register his or her complaint-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
