Tempers cool after polls in Mubende polls left one dead
The National Resistance Movement(NRM) Party local council elections at the Kalokalungi B Village polling station Kalokarungi Parish, Lubimbiri subcounty in Mubende district faced significant disruptions on Tuesday May 6 leading to violence and tragedy. Originally postponed earlier in the week, residents returned yesterday Friday May 9 to cast their votes for the position of Local Council Chairperson for the NRM.
The electoral process which was marred by chaos when Tugumisirize Innocent one of the candidates suddenly lost control and collapsed while voters were preparing to cast their ballots. The incident occurred at St. Innocent Catholic Church polling station was serving at the voting venue. Mr. Innocent was immediately taken to church for prayers and later regained composure, allowing voting to resume at exactly 12:00 pm.
This election featured fierce competition between incumbent Kamukama David and Tugumisirize Innocent. For the first time, the candidates did not reach an agreement on certain election issues with Kamukama raising concerns of alleged rigging. The tensions escalated resulting in a tragic aftermath, death of their comrade, Tindyebwa Augustine and injuries to at least three others who remain hospitalized at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
According to Tumwesigye Esau, the NRM registrar of Lubimbiri Sub County, the official results showed Kamukama won with 94 votes while Tugumisirize garnered 55 votes. Esau confirmed that despite the disturbances, the election exercise was completed smoothly with security personnel deployed to maintain order and prevent further incidents.
Yudaya Nakatudde Sebayiga, an aspiring Woman Member of Parliament for Mubende district urged the defeated candidates and supporters to remain calm and accept the outcome from the polls.
Residents of Kalokalungi A, led by Kusingura Mosese expressed relief that the election process concluded without further violence though they mourned the loss of Tindyebwa. “We have been in fear, wondering how it would end but we are glad to see our friends come together after the saga,” Mosese remarked. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
