Andrew Ssenyonga, former Mukono District Chairman, accuses NRM officials of assault during vote counting, leading to his hospitalisation.
Andrew Ssenyonga Ruzindana, former Mukono District Chairman and NRM parliamentary aspirant for Mukono Municipality, has launched scathing accusations against party officials following a violent confrontation during vote counting. The incident culminated in Ssenyonga being hospitalised at Nairobi's Aga Khan Hospital for specialised treatment after allegedly being assaulted by police officers.
The altercation occurred at Goma Division headquarters, where Ssenyonga had gone to consult with NRM Registrar Joseph Sulume regarding electoral concerns. Sulume was subsequently arrested on charges of conspiring with Ssenyonga to alter official election results. Ssenyonga claims the incident reveals systematic sabotage within the party: "I have dedicated years to building the NRM, yet now leaders conspire against me without cause."
Despite filing formal complaints with the police, Ssenyonga expresses little faith in established resolution mechanisms. "The path to justice remains obstructed," he stated, indicating he will seek redress through the NRM Tribunal while threatening to run as an independent if grievances remain unaddressed.
Mukono NRM Chairman Hajji Harunah Ssemakula dismissed Ssenyonga's claims, warning that those seeking personal power rather than party unity will not be tolerated. "The NRM cannot be held hostage by individual ambitions," Ssemakula declared.
The Mukono violence reflects nationwide tensions during recent NRM primaries, where allegations of vote-rigging, manipulation, and physical confrontations marred 17 days of voting. The Mukono Municipality race between Dr. Daisy Sarah Sonko Nabatanzi and Ssenyonga proved particularly contentious, with both camps claiming victory amid accusations of electoral malpractice.
Many NRM members have condemned the violence and irregularities, calling for transparent processes and respect for democratic principles. "We need clean elections where genuine popular will prevails," stated one party official who requested anonymity.
The situation remains volatile as Ssenyonga recuperates in Nairobi while his supporters threaten to split from the party unless their concerns are seriously addressed through official channels.
