By KT Reporter
The Electoral Commission has officially declared Samuel Keddi of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as the winner of the Butebo LC5 elections, defeating incumbent James Okurut, who contested as an independent candidate, in the rescheduled poll.
According to the official results, Keddi polled 18,866 votes, ahead of Okurut, who garnered 15,672 votes. Another independent candidate, Kibuge Isaac, came third with 153 votes, while FDC candidate Lobba Yasin received 70 votes out of a total of 35,197 ballots counted. The results were announced by the District Returning Officer, Beatrice Allupo, at 2:00 AM on Thursday.
“In accordance with Section 147 of the Local Government Act, Cap 138, I declare Keddi Samuel, who has obtained the largest number of votes, as the elected leader for Butebo District,” Beatrice announced. The LC5 elections, which were held nationwide on January 22, were postponed in Butebo following reports of violence, voter intimidation, and widespread irregularities.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Electoral Commissioner Stephen Tashobya commended residents and candidates for what he described as exemplary conduct during the rescheduled exercise. Tashobya noted that the election was one of the most peaceful he has supervised, with no reported confrontations between candidates and election officials.
He also confirmed the successful deployment of Voter Biometric Verification Machines, stating that despite earlier threats of disruption, no incidents were recorded. “Candidates can at times be the source of issues, but today you have conducted yourselves very well,” Tashobya said. “We also commend the government for committing resources to procure equipment that supports the cardinal principle of secure voting.”
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