Police in Kisoro District have arrested four polling officials over alleged vote rigging and other forms of electoral malpractice during the ongoing elections.
Among the suspects is a presiding officer from Giharo Polling Station in Mbuga Parish, Nyakinama Sub-county, Bufumbira South Constituency. The presiding officer, identified as Tusenge Collins, was arrested alongside a voter, Hakiza, both attached to the same polling station.
Police further arrested two other presiding officers from Kagundu Polling Station in Muramba Sub-county for allegedly voting on behalf of voters who had not yet arrived or were absent from the polling station.
According to police sources, Hakiza was found in possession of 10 ballot papers, eight of which had already been pre-ticked in favour of Sanvura Richard, the NRM flag bearer for Nyakinama Sub-county LC5 councillor.
Reports indicate that residents intercepted Hakiza at the polling station after noticing the irregular ballots.
Speaking to the affected candidate, the incumbent LC5 councillor for Nyakinama Sub-county contesting as an independent, Ndayisaba Emmanuel, commended residents for apprehending the suspect and handing him over to police.
Emmanuel said he intends to pursue legal action, noting that both he and the police have sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
He added that any results released by the District Returning Officer, Daniel Nayebare, would be compromised due to the reported malpractice.
CUE IN NDAYISABA…….ON THE MATTER……RR//
When contacted for comment, the Kisoro District Police Commander, Cosmas Edatu, declined to speak to the media, stating that he is still gathering information from the field and will issue a comprehensive statement at a later time.
