Residents in Rukungiri District have raised concerns following an election process that they say was marred by delays and alleged irregularities, particularly in Rukungiri Municipality’s Western Division.
According to residents, the election that was scheduled for 12th was allegedly moved to 11th by the official in charge, leaving many voters unable to cast their ballots. They explained that confusion at the polls prevented them from participating on time, despite arriving in the morning.
One of the contestants, Mwesigwa Precious, who was later elected unopposed, alleged that there were supposed to be 20 voters in total. She claimed that Byaugaba Michael, the NRM Chairman for Western Division, collected the registration forms on the previous day and registered only five people, leaving 15 voters unaware of the process.
Residents including Kabaterine Peace, Nuwampa Lonah, and Monica Kabesigye said voting was expected to start in the morning but began in the afternoon after a prolonged delay. They warned that continued irregularities could push supporters to reconsider their loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with some threatening to join the opposition if the issues persist.
Responding to the concerns, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bron Kikashemeza, urged residents to embrace unity at both household and community levels. He also called on citizens to jointly fight corruption and hold leaders accountable, arguing that collective cooperation strengthens service delivery and good governance.
Following the delay, voting eventually took place after the arrival of the District Returning Officer and the RDC.
Mwesigwa Precious was elected unopposed as Chairperson for Northern A Ward, receiving 14 votes. Other officials elected include Flavor Mbabazias as Vice Chairperson for Kitimba Ward, Kabaterine Peace as Secretary for Kyinayasano Ward, Nasasira Lucky as Secretary for Publicity from Kitimba Ward, and Kabesigye Monica as Secretary for Finance from Karagaro Ward.
In her remarks, Precious thanked her supporters and commended the RDC for defending the interests of women and youth. She also expressed gratitude to NRM and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
