Kanoni Residents Appeal to Museveni as Village Elections Stall Amidst Leadership Dispute

Residents of Kanoni Village in Gomba District are calling on President Yoweri Museveni to step in and resolve a persistent leadership dispute that has prevented new elections from taking place. The core of the issue is the nearly four-decade tenure of the current village chairperson, Wasswa Abel Mukatuliki, whom many residents feel has overstayed his welcome.

Tensions have been high since July 28, when village elections were held, but residents claim the results were never announced. Subsequent attempts by the Gomba District Electoral Commission to organize fresh polls have been unsuccessful.

According to the residents, each scheduled election day has seen the challenger’s supporters appear, while Mukatuliki and his own supporters have failed to show up. This pattern repeated itself recently when residents gathered at Kanoni Health Centre III for a scheduled vote, only to find neither electoral officials nor Mukatuliki’s camp present.

The repeated failures have fueled anger among residents, who accuse electoral officials of mismanagement. Police were present to maintain order. The frustrated community used the gathering to voice their dissatisfaction with Mukatuliki’s leadership, citing a lack of development in Kanoni over his nearly 40 years in office.

Residents also allege that Mukatuliki has misused the village stamp for personal gain, endorsing questionable documents for financial rewards. They are determined to elect John Katweere, the challenger, and question why Mukatuliki allegedly resists a new vote, especially if he believes he won the July election.

The villagers have directly appealed to President Museveni, whom they describe as an associate of Mukatuliki, to intervene. “President Museveni, please do not force Mukatuliki on us. We are tired of him. If he is your friend, take him elsewhere,” they stated.

Challenger John Katweere expressed his intention to take the Electoral Commission to court over the repeated postponements. Ivan Munanura, Gomba District Electoral Commission chairperson, assured residents that the election is still pending and a new date will be announced. However, reports suggest Mukatuliki believes he should be declared the winner without further voting.

The ongoing uncertainty leaves Kanoni residents without clear leadership and deeply dissatisfied with the electoral process.

Source: Nile Post