Mega FM Team & Agency
Electoral-related violence has marred the ongoing National Resistance Movement-NRM structures across the county.
In Gulu City, there were chaos in a number polling stations as a result of missing names in the party yellow book.
Chaos were registered in Negri Village, Industrial Area, Library, Pece Cubu and Pece Pawel Central among others.
According to Akena Lamex Lambert, the NRM Party Administrator for Gulu City, none registered members also turn up to vote, igniting chaotic scenes.
A similar scenario was also registered in a number of polling stations in Nwoya district.
Ojok Denis Opiro, the NRM Assistant Registrar for Nwoya district, admitted to the challenge saying those affected did not register in the party’s yellow book.
In Wobulenzi town council the elections degenerated into chaos after the supporters of a candidate attempted to beat up the returning officer and supporters a rival candidates before policemen deployed to quell the fight.
In Jinja city, the election at St. Jude Primary School compound, was canceled after rowdy youths accused politicians of using money to divert their support.
At Kagogwa polling stations, Vincent Oketcho and Musa Wandawa disagreed on the register after supporters of both the contestants erupted into fist fights, forcing the registrars to cancel the electoral process.
In Kabale Municipality, the election were also marred with irregularities after a number of candidates found their names missing from the registry.
At Central East polling station in the central division, security authorities led by Gilbert Mwebembezi were forced to halt the exercise after supporters of Francis Byamukama Ntemere, who is contesting for the LC1 chairman seat, nearly fought with his contender, Immaculate Mbabazi. It happened when Mbabazi’s agents started mobilising members to queue and vote for their candidate.
At Rushambya Cell, Kirigime ward, Southern Division, Godfrey Nyakahuma, Kabale Resident District Commissioner, halted the elections after contestant Salim Owoyesiga and his supporters protested why their candidate was missing in the register, leaving Rev David Rurihoona unopposed.
At Central-Central Village, also in the central Division, chaos erupted after supporters of Pamella Byensi, who is contesting with Drlison Kyampeire for LC1 Chairman, disagreed over the register.
Chris Turyomurugyendo, Kabale Assistant Resident District Commissioner, intervened and halted the election.
The nationwide electoral exercise, led by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, took place in over 72,000 villages across Uganda.
Speaking at a community baraza in Rwakitura, Dr. Odoi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a transparent, community-led verification process of its membership and leadership structures.
“This is the first phase of our activity — cleaning up our register,” he said.
“We’re asking villagers to confirm who is alive, who has moved away, and who genuinely belongs to our party. Anyone falsely listed — including underage children or opposition members — will be removed.”
Residents actively verified the NRM register and went on to elect village-level leaders, including Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Secretary for Publicity. Special Interest Groups such as women, youth, older persons, veterans, and persons with disabilities also began electing their representatives.
Dr. Odoi clarified that youth aged 18 to 35 are eligible to participate in NRM structures, though those vying for national youth leadership roles must be under 30. He also announced a postponement of elections in Rubirizi District, a constituency in Serere, and Kapelebyong Village due to market activities and the death of a flagbearer.
