Africa-Press – Uganda. The National Resistance Movement has nullified the LC1 primary elections in Camp Swahili Chini and Kambizi villages in Moroto District following violent confrontations and widespread irregularities, and has ordered a re-run to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The party’s decision came after both contests descended into chaos, prompting security and electoral officials to abandon the voting exercise mid-way.
In Camp Swahili Chini, a tightly contested race between incumbent Hajj Akidi Lokure and challenger Lorenzo Owongo turned volatile during the counting process.
What began as a tense atmosphere quickly gave way to insults, then fistfights between rival camps, forcing NRM officials to flee the scene.
A similar breakdown occurred in Kambizi Village, where a contest between Peter Lodia and Peter Nakopia spiralled into physical confrontations and destruction of voting materials.
“People started exchanging blows and destroying electoral materials,” said Jennifer Angella, a resident of Kambizi.
Another resident, Joseph Lokong, added, “The polling station was turned into a battlefield, prompting police to fire live bullets and tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd.”
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the NRM’s Moroto District Administrator confirmed the party’s decision to cancel the results in both villages, citing an inability to conduct free and fair elections.
“The re-election will take place on Wednesday, May 7, from 8am,” she announced, assuring the public that security will be reinforced to ensure a peaceful exercise.
The LC1 flag bearer contests are part of the NRM’s ongoing internal elections, which will continue with parish-level polls scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025.
The scenes in Moroto have highlighted growing tension and mistrust within the ruling party’s grassroots structures as the 2026 general elections draw nearer.
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