Youth leader election in Mukono Municipality marred by violence, intimidation, and venue changes.
MUKONO – The election for youth leaders in Mukono Municipality descended into chaos on [date], with reports of violence, voter intimidation, and last-minute venue changes that disenfranchised many candidates.
The exercise, meant to elect youth leaders at the municipal level, was abruptly moved to Mukono Army Barracks after disputes arose at the original voting location. This sudden change left many candidates and voters stranded outside the gates, unable to participate.
Eyewitnesses reported scuffles, stone-throwing, and bloody confrontations as frustrated youth clashed with security personnel. Some candidates claimed they were physically blocked from accessing the polling area.
Several contestants, including Savva Marvin (a candidate for youth chairperson), accused NRM leaders of manipulating the process to favor certain candidates. Marvin was allegedly beaten and dragged away by unidentified men in yellow NRM shirts.
Despite the chaos, Robert Sekirya, the NRM electoral commission official, announced winners, including Jimmy Nteza, as unopposed. This declaration angered many who argued the process was unfair.
Mukono Central Division Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda and Goma Division Chairman Humphery Kyasa distanced themselves from the irregularities, calling for an investigation.
Sources pointed fingers at Hajji Haruna Semakula, the NRM chairperson for Mukono, for allegedly hiring "kawukumi" (thugs) to disrupt the election. A two-hour meeting held at his office barred journalists from covering the discussions.
Mark Muganzi, Mukono’s electoral officer, dismissed the allegations, urging aggrieved parties to file formal complaints.
Out of 81 expected candidates, only 45 were allowed to contest, with many disqualified under unclear circumstances. The low participation rate has raised concerns about the election’s credibility.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) condemned the violence, accusing NRM of suppressing youth voices. Some NUP-aligned candidates claimed they were deliberately blocked from running.
