The National Resistance Movement (NRM) LC3 flag bearer for Lower Bugongi Ward, Northern Division in Kabale Municipality, Emmanuel Niwagaba, has petitioned the office of the National Electoral Commission Chairman, citing alleged electoral mismanagement during the party’s sub-county elections.
Niwagaba, a registered NRM member listed in the party’s yellow book and the vice chairperson of Bugongi Cell, stated that he contested for the position of Finance Secretary at the division level and was duly nominated. However, he expressed shock when the district NRM registrar, Barbra Ainebyona, declared his opponent, Andrew Aja Baryayanga, unopposed.
The election, which had drawn considerable attention, came to a standstill for nearly two hours at the Northern Division headquarters. This prompted the intervention of Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma and Registrar Ainebyona, who maintained that Niwagaba did not meet the qualifications for the Finance Secretary position—thereby handing Baryayanga an unopposed victory.
In his petition, Niwagaba is calling for a repeat of the election or, alternatively, to be declared the rightful winner. He also recommends that the case be escalated to the regional tribunal, claiming the district registrar exhibited bias.
Cue in Niwagaba….…On the issue……..RR/ENG//
On his part, Baryayanga dismissed the claims, alleging that the election was disrupted by individuals masquerading as voters with the intent to sow division. He condemned the incitement of violence and urged voters to remain calm and united, stressing that the electoral process should not be weakened by intimidation.
Cue in Baryayanga……On the election……RR/ENG//
Kabale Municipality NRM Chairperson, Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, also weighed in, questioning the transparency and procedures governing the electoral process. He called on the party to streamline its electoral policies to avoid future disputes.
Cue in Kamugisha….…On the electoral process……RR/ENG//
