Africa-Press – Uganda. Tension is escalating in Karenga District as residents continue to camp outside the district tally center, demanding the official declaration of results for the ruling NRM party’s Kaabong Woman MP primary race.
The tallying process was concluded on Thursday, July 17, with preliminary figures showing political newcomer Loe Doreen Imen in the lead.
However, the delay in announcing the final results has triggered suspicion and protests from locals who fear the outcome could be altered.
Incumbent MP and Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, has contested the results and called for votes from Lobalangit and Kakwanga sub-counties to be annulled, citing alleged irregularities. She insists the election was not free or fair and maintains that she won.
But residents say they have seen the results with their own eyes — and believe Imen won convincingly.
“We are not leaving this place until the true winner is declared. We saw the results. Doreen won fair and square,” said John Lokol, one of the youth who has been sleeping outside the district offices since Friday.
By Saturday night, dozens had gathered at the center — some lying under bedsheets spread on the ground, others taking turns to keep vigil and watch for any signs of ballot tampering.
“There’s no trust anymore,” said James Akol, a boda boda rider from Karenga town. “We’ve seen many times where the people’s choice is stolen at the last minute. Not this time.”
Police have stepped up security at the center to prevent possible clashes, though the protests have so far remained peaceful. The atmosphere, however, is increasingly tense.
Local elders and leaders have called for calm and urged the NRM electoral commission to expedite the declaration of results to avoid further unrest.
“We cannot allow democracy to be hijacked by a few individuals. The voice of the people must be respected,” said elder Mathew Komol.
Efforts to reach the district NRM registrar and Minister Akello for comment were unsuccessful, as their phones remained switched off or unanswered.
The standoff in Karenga reflects growing frustration across Karamoja, where several longtime incumbents were voted out in the just-concluded NRM primaries.
Analysts say delays in releasing results only deepen public mistrust in the party’s internal electoral processes.
As the sun sets each evening, more residents have joined the makeshift vigil, determined to stay put until the final results are made public — a community protest in defence of what they say is a fair election outcome.
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