Busawuli Residents Threaten Secession Over Disputed LC Polls

Tensions are high in Busawuli Village, Wakiso District, following a contentious village chairperson election. Residents have voiced strong dissatisfaction, rejecting the declared results and alleging a flawed electoral process.

The protest, marked by placards and sticks, stemmed from claims that the candidate supported by the majority of villagers was unfairly denied victory. The election pitted long-serving NRM member Fred Kigongo against Trifonia Nakafero, who ran as an independent after losing the NRM flag.

Protesters contend that Nakafero secured more votes than Kigongo, who was ultimately declared the winner. Their concerns are amplified by allegations of individuals not registered in the village being allowed to vote, and confusion during the vote tallying.

“We cannot accept these results because the person who was declared the winner is not the one we voted for,” stated one resident. Ramadhan Kyakonye, the local NRM registrar, corroborated these claims, suggesting Nakafero had stronger support based on observed polling lines.

Adding to the suspicion, residents reported an initial announcement of results that favored their candidate, followed by a retraction and a revised declaration naming Kigongo as the winner due to an alleged “mistake.”

Trifonia Nakafero acknowledged the residents’ hurt but urged calm, promising to pursue the matter through official channels. The residents have reportedly lodged complaints with various authorities without visible action. They are now appealing to the State Minister for Local Government, Baram Barugahara, for intervention.

In a significant escalation, the villagers have threatened to push for the division of Busawuli Village into two separate administrative units if their demands for justice are ignored. “If we are denied justice, we shall divide the village because we no longer want Fred Kigongo to lead us,” they warned.

Fred Kigongo, however, has dismissed the accusations as false and urged the residents to accept the election’s outcome. Attempts to reach the presiding election official were unsuccessful.

This situation highlights deep divisions within the community and a growing distrust in local electoral processes. The residents’ resolve to seek separation or justice underscores the gravity of their perceived disenfranchisement.

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