Africa-Press – Uganda. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Local Council (LC1) chairmanship elections in Ibanda District were on Tuesday marked by chaos, violence, and reports of voter disenfranchisement, casting a shadow over the party’s electoral process.
While some polling stations recorded a high voter turnout, others were scenes of confusion and confrontation. At Bufunda 1 polling station, located at Bufunda Primary School in Bufunda Division, a violent scuffle erupted between electoral officials and voters, prompting security forces to intervene and restore calm.
In a similar incident at Kamututumi polling station in Kagongo Division, several voters alleged they were unfairly denied the right to vote.
Gloria Tushemereirwe, the NRM Registrar for Ibanda District, confirmed the reports of unrest during the elections, particularly in areas where voters’ names were not found in the party register.
“We did register some incidents of violence, especially during the LC1 chairperson elections,” Tushemereirwe said. “Some individuals were denied the opportunity to vote because their names were not in the official NRM register, as per our party guidelines,” she told in an interview.
She explained that being a resident in an area does not automatically qualify someone to vote in the party elections unless they are duly registered.
“Some people insisted on voting simply because they live in the area, but unless your name is in the NRM register, you are not eligible to participate. We urge all members to take part in voter register update exercises to avoid such inconveniences,” Tushemereirwe emphasised.
Ibanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Godfrey Mbetegyereize, expressed concern over reports of electoral malpractice, including allegations of voter bribery by some candidates.
“There were reports of some contestants bribing voters on Election Day. This is unacceptable and must stop,” Mbetegyereize warned.
Despite the violence and complaints, the elections proceeded in other parts of the district without major incidents. However, these occurrences have raised fresh concerns about the integrity of internal party elections and the need for improved voter sensitisation and management.
The NRM leadership is expected to review the events and address the irregularities to ensure future elections are more transparent and peaceful.
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