By KT Reporter
Elections of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party village elections in Kabale municipality have been marred by cases of irregularities.
At Bugongi road polling station in Northern Division, Darius Hafasha, who was contesting as LCI Chairman, protested his disqualification, leaving Eric Karemeera, declared unopposed. Hafasha, commonly named as Mufasha, argued that despite fulfilling all the requirements, he was suspired to find that his name was not listed as a candidate.
But Karemeera refuted Hafasha’s accusation, saying that he was declared unopposed after polling officials found that Hafasha was not a party member.
At Central East polling station in the central division, security authorities led by Gilbert Mwebembezi were forced to halt the exercise after supporters of Francis Byamukama Ntemere, who is contesting for the LC1 chairman seat, nearly fought with his contender, Immaculate Mbabazi. It happened when Mbabazi’s agents started mobilising members to queue and vote for their candidate.
Byamaukama’s agents also protested the trick, forcing polling officials to decline to count. This angered Mbabazi and her supporters, who accused officials of bias.
Edison Turyahabwa, Kabale district NRM party publicity secretary, alerted higher party authorities, who also informed police for help. The exercise was later cancelled as police ordered for fresh verification of voters.
At Rushambya Cell, Kirigime ward, Southern Division, Godfrey Nyakahuma, Kabale Resident District Commissioner, halted the elections after contestant Salim Owoyesiga and his supporters protested why their candidate was missing in the register, leaving Rev David Rurihoona unopposed.
At Central-Central Village, also in the central Division, chaos erupted after supporters of Pamella Byensi, who is contesting with Drlison Kyampeire for LC1 Chairman, disagreed over the register. Chris Turyomurugyendo, Kabale Assistant Resident District Commissioner, intervened and halted the election. He ordered for fresh verification of the members in the register.
In Kasese, the Police arrested Moris Kithenge Masereka, 41 years old, the NRM party registrar for Ibanda-Kyanya town council, for allegedly causing the disappearance of 15 party register books containing names of voters.
Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Police Spokesperson, says police were alerted by party members, and they immediately coordinated to arrest Masereka.
He appealed to the public to coordinate with security officers to ensure the party elections do not lead to violence-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
