MBARARA
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral process has seen a successful turnout, with 90% of villages completing their elections. However, 410 villages will repeat their elections today due to irregularities in the voter register and procedural concerns.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi emphasized the importance of voter registration during a press conference held at the party offices in Booma Mbarara city. He urged members to actively participate in updating their details to avoid future disruptions. He noted that apathy and lack of sincerity among some officials contributed to the challenges faced during the exercise.
Several high-ranking government officials, including President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni and Vice President Jessica Alupo, participated in the elections in their respective villages and districts, setting an example for party members. The Speaker of Parliament and Prime Minister also mobilized their districts to ensure smooth voting.
Despite the overall success, some registrars were accused of altering results, leading to their removal from office. Odoi called upon district election officers to supervise their staff more effectively to prevent future discrepancies.
In Kashanyarazi cell, Mbarara City, elections for the NRM Women’s League were postponed due to irregularities in the voter register. Some candidates, including Twikirize Abia, found their names missing despite being nominated. Odoi clarified that NRM electoral laws allow members who have lived in an area for at least three months to contest but not vote for themselves if they are not found in the NRM register.
The Kashanyarazi NRM women’s league elections proceeded under Odoi’s supervision, with the village registrar announcing the winners before he departed for Rubirizi, where polls were scheduled for today.
Karungi Olivia obtained 43 votes winning Twikirize Abia who obtained 33 votes in the chairperson’s seat while Bonny Busingye became the vice chairperson obtaining 42 votes defeating, Namazzi Magret who got 34 votes.
In the same way, they elected the secretary for Publicity where Habiba Nabimanya got 41 votes defeating Akansasira Jean Claire who got 34 votes, Secretary for Finance became Ninsiima Aisha who got 42 votes defeating Edna Mutungi who got 33 votes and their secretary for finance became Orikiriza Lacy who got 43 votes defeating Katushabe Mary who got 33 votes.
Odoi assured the public that security forces would ensure peaceful voting in areas where elections were disrupted. He warned against interference from external groups and emphasized that only registered members would be allowed to vote.
“The NRM Electoral Commission is compiling a detailed report to present to the Central Executive Committee(CEC) which will determine whether an update window will be opened before the July primaries” said Odoi.
