By KT Reporter
Parliamentary candidates in Luwero District are grappling with endless demands for money and gifts from voters despite a clear ban by the Electoral Commission (EC) as campaigns gain momentum ahead of the January 15, 2025, general elections.
Campaigns for Parliamentary and LC5 Chairperson seats officially kicked off on Monday across the country. In Luwero, candidates have intensified their efforts, moving village to village and conducting door-to-door campaigns to reach voters.
Earlier this week, Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi cautioned candidates against offering money or gifts to supporters, saying such acts amount to voter bribery. He also warned voters not to solicit money from candidates, noting that both the giver and receiver can be prosecuted.
However, as campaigns pick up, several candidates continue to face demands for cash and handouts. Among them is Brenda Nabukenya, the Luwero District Woman MP, who said supporters from Butuntumula Sub-county asked her for donations of farm inputs. Nabukenya rejected the request, saying it was illegal to offer such items during campaigns, though she pledged to fulfill her promises after the elections.
On Wednesday, while campaigning in Kikoma Parish, Wobulenzi Town Council, Abubaker Kalume, the NRM candidate for Katikamu South MP seat, was asked by voters to donate chicks to boost poultry farming and money for refreshments. Kalume turned down the requests, saying he intentionally moves without cash to avoid being tempted into voter bribery that could lead to his disqualification.
Yiga Mustapha, the Chairperson of Kayindu Boda Boda Stage in Bamunanika Sub-county, said voters have resolved to demand money in exchange for votes because Members of Parliament do nothing to help them once elected. Yiga added that MPs earn large salaries, and now is the only time voters can “get a share.”
Mathias Ssemuwemba, a resident of Kayindu Trading Centre, said they often ask for money to buy refreshments because they spend long hours waiting for candidates at rallies.
Bamunanika County MP Robert Ssekitoleko condemned the commercialization of elections, blaming it on some wealthy NRM politicians who have amassed riches through corruption. Ssekitoleeko said popular MPs don’t need to pay people to attend rallies or vote for them.
State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, said he has briefed his agents on the EC guidelines and warned them against giving out money or gifts that could cause him legal trouble.
Under Section 68 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, voter bribery is a criminal offence where both the giver and receiver can be punished. Anyone found guilty of soliciting or giving money, gifts, alcohol, or other favors in exchange for votes faces a fine of up to UGX 1.44 million or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. In 2011, the High Court in Luwero nullified the election of Rebecca Nalwanga as District Woman MP after she was found guilty of voter bribery for giving out UGX 50,000 to repair a borehole at Kiwumpa Village during the campaign period.
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