NRM primaries in Mukono District were poorly attended, with low voter turnout and delayed voting.
Mukono District witnessed disorganised and poorly attended NRM primaries for village chairpersons and councillors, with voting delayed until late afternoon in most areas. Many polling stations reported either no voters or extremely low numbers, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
Party members accused NRM leaders of fostering divisions that discouraged participation, with reports of some supporters being confined in homes and only brought out to vote for preferred candidates. Many now demand that NRM National Chairman Tanga Odoi abolish the controversial "lining-up" (show-of-hands) voting method, which they claim fuels manipulation.
In several parts of Mukono, including Nakisunga Sub-County, Mukono Municipality, and Goma Division, voting started as late as 6:30 PM, with most stations nearly empty. The few voters who turned up expressed frustration over threats and confusion within the party, leaving many too afraid to participate.
Some voters revealed that the chaotic environment had forced them to prioritise personal safety over voting. They also condemned the lining-up system, describing it as a threat to their well-being and calling for the party’s electoral commission to intervene.
Local chairpersons reported difficulties mobilising NRM members to vote, citing widespread disillusionment. Some members allegedly refused to participate, while others were hospitalised, further reducing turnout.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Awuye, the frontrunner for District Chairperson and current NRM District Chair, denied allegations of electoral malpractice. He claimed he had stepped aside to allow a free and fair race, insisting his loyalty to the party remained firm.
However, NRM District Chairman Hajji Haruna Semakula disputed Awuye’s claims, stating that Awuye had been summoned for questioning but failed to appear. Semakula also questioned why the elections were not postponed if proper preparations were lacking.
