Kiruhura Residents concerned over irregularities in NRM Polls
Kiruhura District residents have voiced varied opinions regarding the conduct of the recently concluded NRM preliminary elections for Members of Parliament and district councillors. While some community members describe the elections as free and fair others express dissatisfaction and raise concerns over irregularities.
Mushabe Stephen, the NRM district vice chairman for Kiruhura called for unity among candidates regardless of election outcomes. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence within the party noting that in politics it is uncommon for losers to openly admit defeat but crucial for the party’s stability that members come together for the greater good.
In contrast, James Kabukye Rutagasa, an LCI chairman in Nyakasharara ward in Kiruhura town council, criticized the electoral process at his polling station. He claimed that voters went to polls without proper registration as the registers were allegedly not used at Nyakasharara allowing everyone to vote regardless of eligibility. Rutagasa has called for an investigation by President Yoweri Museveni to examine the conduct of the primaries and establish the true winners.
Adding to the controversy, Hon Jovanice Rwenduru, the district Woman Member of Parliament raised concerns over irregularities during the elections alleging that the process was marred by misconduct. Conversely, Ruth Rujoki Mushabe, the current NRM flag bearer for the seat insisted that the primaries were conducted transparently and ‘were free and fair’.
As tensions and disagreements continue to surface, calls have grown for an official investigation into the conduct of the primaries to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the party’s democratic procedures in Kiruhura District.
