The announcement triggered immediate protests, with Ssalongo's supporters storming the Lugazi tally centre
Lugazi, Buikwe District – The NRM parliamentary primaries in Lugazi Municipality descended into chaos as supporters of losing candidate Richard Senteza Ssalongo rejected the official results, alleging widespread irregularities in the voting process. The tense situation saw angry protesters clash with police, leaving the ruling party's internal divisions exposed just months before the general elections.
The NRM's district electoral commission declared Isaac Mulindwa Sozzi the winner with 8,321 votes, narrowly defeating incumbent MP Richard Senteza Ssalongo, who polled 7,259 votes. However, Ssalongo's supporters immediately cried foul, claiming the voting process had been compromised. Witnesses reported seeing premarked ballots and the exclusion of Ssalongo's polling agents from several stations.
The announcement triggered immediate protests, with Ssalongo's supporters storming the Lugazi tally centre. Police responded with teargas to disperse the crowd after protesters began throwing stones and damaging property. "They stole this election in broad daylight," shouted one enraged supporter, echoing the sentiment of many who believe the results were manipulated.
While NRM's Buikwe District Registrar Peter Sserwadda maintained the election was conducted fairly, the protests have forced the party's national electoral commission to review the complaints. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM's top election official, now faces pressure to intervene as the dispute threatens to fracture the party's unity in a crucial municipality.
Incumbent MP Ssalongo vowed to challenge the results through all available legal channels, declaring "This fight is far from over." Meanwhile, declared winner Sozzi called for calm, urging supporters to "trust the NRM's internal processes" even as tensions simmer on Lugazi's streets.
The violent scenes in Lugazi highlight growing dissatisfaction with the NRM's candidate selection process, coming at a precarious time when the ruling party can ill afford internal divisions. With general elections approaching, such disputes risk splitting the NRM vote and strengthening opposition candidates in what should be safe seats for the ruling party.
