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Supporters from the three parishes boycotted the election, alleging irregularities and bribery
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By Our Reporter
Mitooma
Chaos erupted during the NRM sub-county elections in Kabira Sub-county, Mitooma District, on Saturday after three parishes—Nyamabale, Rurehe North, and Buharambo—boycotted the election process for LCIII NRM structures, leaving only Nyakatete Parish to participate in electing new leaders.
The tension arose after Muhangi Elisamu, a popular candidate backed by the three parishes, was disqualified on grounds that he was already the NRM flag bearer at the Local Council One level. His disqualification left Nuwamanya Jackson from Nyakatete Parish unopposed.
“We consulted top offices and were clearly told that Muhangi Elisamu was allowed to stand. So how come he was disqualified at the last minute?” asked Tumwebaze Gilverzio, the NRM Chairperson of Rurehe North Parish.
Electorates line up to participate in tye LC111 NRM elections
Nagaba Henry, Secretary for Nyamabale Parish, echoed the frustration, accusing election officials of bias and corruption.
“If the registrars were trained, why did they fail to conduct free and fair nominations? And if the mistake was theirs, why didn’t they postpone the elections so our parishes could be represented legally?” he said.
Supporters from the three parishes boycotted the election, alleging irregularities and bribery. They demanded a fair chance to participate, warning that their exclusion could undermine party unity at the grassroots level.
However, Kagina Julius, the NRM Administrative Secretary for Mitooma District, dismissed the concerns.
“The rejection of the elections by the three parishes did not stop the electoral process. As far as the party is concerned, the elections were successfully conducted,” he said.
Nuwamanya Jackson, who was declared the winner and is now the NRM Sub-county Chairperson, promised to reconcile the divisions.
“I will be a bridge to bring the three parishes back together so we can build a more united and meaningful NRM party in Kabira,” he said in his victory remarks.
This incident highlights growing concerns about internal democracy and transparency within local party structures.
Torch Media Africa
