By KT Reporter
Supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Mukono Central division have accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party of colluding with the Electoral Commission to allow unregistered voters to participate in the recent Youth Council elections.
NUP voters claim that many unregistered individuals, who were not elected at the village level, were brought in with police assistance to cast votes, undermining the legitimacy of the polls. This controversy follows the NRM’s victory in three out of four parishes covering Mukono municipality — Nsuube Kauga, Ntaawo, Nnumira, and Ggulu ward.
NRM won in three parishes, leaving one to another party. NUP supporters have condemned the elections as unfair and marred by intimidation. Steven Kabanda, NUP spokesperson in Mukono, said, “NUP voters were unable to participate freely due to threats and intimidation from police and NRM supporters.”
Several NUP youth voters, including Sarah Namukoosi from Nsuube Kauga, condemned returning officers for allowing unregistered people to vote. “Some NRM supporters were not on the registers but were allowed to vote. We demand fair elections,” Namukoosi said.
In response, Steven Kigundu, NRM chairman for Mukono Central division, attributed the party’s success to development initiatives introduced by President Museveni, including the Parish Development Model (PDM). He said these programs have improved livelihoods and awakened people to reject what he termed “political lies.”
Kigundu expressed optimism that the NRM would perform strongly in the upcoming general elections in Mukono district. “The NRM’s strategies in developing households, such as the PDM, have helped us win these youth elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, Karim Kaziro, the returning officer for Nsuube Kauga parish, maintained that the elections were conducted fairly and transparently. He noted that there were nine contested Youth Council seats, including chairman, vice chairman, secretary, publicity officer, treasurer, and defence officer positions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
