Wandegeya Katale Residents Protest Ahead Of Elections For Women’s And Male LCs

Tensions are high in Katale Zone, Wandegeya, ahead of the upcoming elections for the positions of Women's and Male Councillors. Residents have taken to the market to demonstrate their discontent.

According to local residents, the issue stems from claims that some members of the community have been imposed as candidates. They accuse these individuals, who are also NRM leaders in the area, of not genuinely supporting the party. In fact, the residents claim these leaders are openly backing candidates from other political parties.

The demonstrators, who were carrying placards bearing the names of NRM leaders, are calling on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) to intervene. They have requested that the leadership address them and provide guidance on the conduct of these NRM leaders.

"It is surprising that an NRM leader who is supposed to support the party would lead a campaign to discourage people from voting for NRM candidates in these crucial positions. We are confused by their actions."

Ms. Nabukenya further explained that the residents are strong NRM supporters who have consistently voted for the party's flag bearers. They are determined to fight for a victory in these upcoming elections. However, she revealed that one of the local NRM leaders on the campaign trail has already expressed pessimism, raising his hands and questioning whether the party can actually win the seats.

The residents have also raised an alarm about an alleged scheme. They accuse some NRM leaders in Wandegeya of planning to use money to buy stamps from the Local Council (LC) offices to influence the process. The residents are concerned that these leaders, who are colluding with opposition parties, intend to use the stamps to orchestrate a rigging scheme, a move they have firmly rejected.

"Some of our NRM leaders are working with other parties. They want to give them money to use the village stamp to cheat us. We will not allow this."

This escalating situation has drawn the attention of the highest levels of government. The Senior Special Presidential Envoy in Charge of Buganda, Mr. Joseph Mukasa Sewava, has issued a strong statement from his offices in Nakasero.

Mr. Sewava appealed to all Ugandans, particularly in the Buganda region, to refrain from violence, hate speech, and intimidation during the electoral process. He warned against disrespecting leaders, noting that such acts also undermine the dignity of the Buganda Kingdom.

"The purpose of these local elections is to elect good leaders who will help President Museveni fight corruption and achieve the government's development goals. I commend the ongoing efforts to fight corruption, which were initiated by General Muhoozi. I urge everyone to maintain peace and avoid causing chaos."

The elections for the Women's Councillors are scheduled for July 23rd, while the elections for the Male Councillors will take place on July 28th.