Wakiso LC1 Election Canceled Amidst Violent Clashes

The repeat Local Council 1 (LC1) chairperson election in Abayita Ababiri, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, was abruptly canceled on Thursday following widespread violence and concerns over potential unrest. The Electoral Commission made the decision to halt the polling exercise amid heightened tensions between supporters of incumbent independent candidate Abbey Ssebowa and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Fred Mulumba Bunkedeko.

Reports from the scene indicated a heavy security presence, which unfortunately coincided with a low voter turnout. The situation escalated when supporters of the NRM candidate allegedly breached a barrier and entered the polling area, provoking a strong reaction from the opposing camp. This confrontation led to disruptions that prompted election officials to suspend the process.

Accusations of security personnel interfering with the election were leveled by residents. Some alleged that soldiers, including those from the Special Forces Command, were deployed to influence the outcome. One Electoral Commission official sustained injuries during the commotion. Furthermore, an NRM polling agent claimed she was assaulted by UPDF soldiers on the alleged orders of Katabi Town Council Mayor Franco Kajura Bwakya, after demanding unpaid supervision fees from previous elections. The validity of these claims could not be independently verified by Monitor.

Abbey Ssebowa stated that the violence began when an NRM polling agent allegedly created an opening in a barrier, allowing individuals with pre-issued voting slips to enter the polling area. He claimed that despite initial skepticism from election officials, they later witnessed the problematic situation and consequently announced the cancellation. Mayor Kajura, however, criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision, suggesting the election could have proceeded. He indicated that a new polling date would likely be announced, urging residents to maintain peace.