Written By | BK Mugizi
The demonstrators accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of unfairly disqualifying Shallon Nagasha, one of the contestants
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Sheema
People with disabilities (PWDs) on Tuesday demonstrated at the Sheema District Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office, protesting what they described as a fake and irregular nomination process for their district councillor representative. The demonstrators accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of unfairly disqualifying Shallon Nagasha, one of the contestants, and later declaring her opponent, Navense Kasande, unopposed.
Nagasha said she was initially disqualified on the grounds that she was not a resident of Sheema District, a decision that was later reversed after clarification.
“After proving that I am a resident of Sheema, I was allowed back into the race,” Nagasha said.
“However, I later received another letter from the returning officer disqualifying me again, but without giving any reason. This decision is unfair,” she added.
She said the move had denied PWDs their constitutional right to choose a leader of their choice.
Hajji Majindu Sengane Lubengo, a UPDF veteran and a person with a disability, said the decision was questionable and discriminatory.
“It is surprising that someone with a degree is being blocked, while a person with only Primary Two education is being fronted to lead people with disabilities,” Lubengo said.
“We have been denied our right to choose our leader at the last hour, and we believe the internal memo from the Electoral Commission is fake,” he added.
Responding to the concerns, Sheema District Resident District Commissioner Jean Asiimwe Muhindo urged calm, saying the matter was being followed up.
“The complainant’s legal officer has gone to Kampala to the Electoral Commission headquarters to verify whether the letter is legal or illegal,” Asiimwe said.
“We ask people with disabilities to remain calm as the issue is being handled, and we shall communicate once we receive official guidance,” she added.
The PWDs later dispersed peacefully, demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Torch Media Africa
