By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The independent candidate with NRM leanings in the Kawempe North by-election, Hajati Hanifah Karadi, has alleged plans to rig the election.
Karadi claimed to have credible reports indicating that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) intends to manipulate results at certain polling stations. She urged the Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Additionally, she warned against electoral violence, attributing potential misconduct to the police and other security agencies, whom she accused of human rights violations, including the brutalization of candidates and their supporters. She stated that such actions not only violate human rights but also intimidate voters, discouraging them from participating in the election.
Karadi further alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to abduct her on Sunday, raising concerns about the safety of candidates and voters in Kawempe.
She called on the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, and other stakeholders to withdraw security forces from the Kawempe North by-election to prevent further intimidation and ensure a transparent process. 
Karadi further dismissed reports that she has withdrawn her candidature from the by-election to back NRM’s Hajjati Nambi Faridah.
On Sunday, the FDC candidate in the Kawempe North by-election, Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifah Aganaga also raised similar allegations of vote rigging schemes. While addressing voters at a door to door campaign rally, Kalifah said there are secretive plots by the NRM to cause chaos and rig elections on Thursday afternoon. He urged his supporters to wake up early and cast their votes before the NRM camp disrupts the exercise.
