Persis Namuganza, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Bukono County, has declared her intention to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election, alleging that her votes were rigged in favor of her opponent, Maganda Katooko, during the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Namuganza was one of four petitioners who appeared before the NRM party electoral commission to present their grievances. During her appearance, she vehemently rejected the declared results, asserting her decision to run as an independent, using the "watch" symbol.
Furthermore, Namuganza accused senior party members of strategically fielding three candidates to undermine her candidature. She specifically named Dr. Tanga Odoi, the party chairperson of the electoral commission, in her accusations. She also highlighted irregularities in Kibale constituency, which comprises 46 villages. The committee also interviewed Richard Mwanja, the returning officer for the area, who testified about working under duress, recounting an incident where his work was interfered with and he was assaulted by a minister.
Meanwhile, Mariam Naigaga, the Woman MP for Namutumba, also appeared before the committee to defend her victory after being declared the flagbearer for the district Woman MP seat by the returning officer.
The committee also heard from Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, who claimed to have been cheated in the primaries, where Joel Waiswa was declared the winner.
In light of the widespread discontent, some party members who secured victories have urged the top management to swiftly address the internal disagreements and petitions. Their concern is to prevent a significant number of NRM members from running as independent candidates, which could weaken the party's overall position.
The NRM party has received over 40 petitions stemming from the recent primaries, leading to the suspension of more than three returning officers.
Yesterday, the Head of State and party chairperson issued a stern warning against registrars found culpable for electoral violence and alteration of results.
