NRM Dominates Uganda's LC2 Elections, Many Contested Unopposed

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has emerged as the dominant force in the recently concluded Local Council 2 (LC2) elections, often referred to as Parish or Ward Chairpersons, across Uganda.

Reports from various districts indicate a strong performance by NRM candidates, with many securing their positions without facing opposition. In some areas, such as Budaka and neighboring districts, out of 76 parishes, 46 NRM flag bearers were elected unopposed, and the remaining 30 were also described as NRM-leaning. Similarly, in Masindi, several NRM candidates, including incumbents, were returned unopposed.

The Electoral Commission reported that elections were conducted in 10,718 parishes nationwide. However, a substantial number of these saw candidates elected without a contest. For instance, in Kibaale District, out of 57 parishes, elections were only held in 11, with the remaining 46 having unopposed candidates, predominantly from the NRM.

While the NRM celebrated widespread success, some electoral exercises were not without their challenges. In Gulu City, a candidate’s disqualification led to protests. In Arua City, the formation of an executive committee descended into chaos due to disputes over voter registers.

Despite these isolated incidents, the overall electoral process was described as peaceful in many regions. In Soroti City, voters expressed a desire for leaders who could address issues like insecurity and access to government programs. In Oyam District, the NRM candidate unseated the incumbent opposition party member.

Several re-elected unopposed incumbents, like Dominic Ondoga in Adjumani and Albino Otabong in Malaba, pledged to focus on local development and community welfare, including issues like fencing parish offices and ensuring adequate school resources.

The elections saw NRM candidates winning contested seats as well. In Mbarara City, NRM candidates secured victories in contested wards, while in Mityana Municipality, an NRM candidate won a ward seat.

However, allegations of electoral irregularities surfaced in Mukono, where a candidate accused his opponent of voter bribery and questionable eligibility. The accused candidate denied the allegations, maintaining the election’s fairness.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nrm-reaps-big-in-lc2-elections-5553738