Candidates opt out of joint rallies as names go missing

National Resistance Movement campaigns in various constituencies across the country have been marred by allegations of bribery, violence and intimidation. In Rujumbura County, Rukungiri, the contest between Jim Muhwezi (incumbent) and Alex Kamugisha is stiff.

On Tuesday, Mr Kamugisha failed to address a rally in Buhunga, Kagangu Sub-county after a crowd comprising mainly boda boda riders, abandoned the venue shouting, “After Jim, everything is done.”

Gen. Muhwezi had just finished addressing the crowd. In Rubabo, the contest between Mr David Ndibirinze, Ms Mary Paula Turyahikayo and Lt. Godfrey Katamba remains calm.

Kashari rallies off
In Mbarara, the NRM party leadership suspended the campaigns in Kashari, citing violence and hooliganism. Jomo Mugabi, the NRM district chairperson, told Daily Monitor that the suspension of the campaigns followed violence that was perpetuated by hooligans at the rally in Rubindi on Monday that forced it to end prematurely.

Mbarara RDC Clement Kandole said on Tuesday that some candidates are pushing individual interests at the expense of their party and national interests. “There could not be mudslinging, infighting and attack if they had the party at heart,” Mr Kandole said.

In Isingiro North, tension is mounting between the two contenders, Maj. Bright Rwamirama (incumbent) and Dr Ponsiano Mugyenyi as issues of voter bribery, security and vote rigging emerge.

Dr Mugyenyi has accused Maj. Rwamirama of bribing voters plus moving with armed police and soldiers. He argues that this will turn into vote rigging. He has also accused Maj. Rwamirama of manipulating the local electoral system in the constituency by influencing the appointment of relatives and supporters as polling agents.

But Maj. Rwamirama’s political assistant, Mr Joseph Besigye, denied the accusations saying, the minister is innocent. “That is total rubbish. Those people are just trying to tarnish the minister’s name,” he said.

Some candidates in Kabale District say their names are not on the NRM voter’s register.
Ms Pamela Kihumuro, a contestant for the Rukiga parliamentary seat, says she only realised on Tuesday that her name was not on the party register. Ms Kihumuro, who is in the race with Adson Kakuru, the incumbent, says she is shocked because she had actually submitted her particulars for registration.

Smashed windscreens
Police in Kabale District are investigating allegations under which three supporters of David Bahati (Ndorwa West) were injured and a vehicle belonging to his uncle had its windscreen smashed allegedly by supporters of his opponent, Mr Charles Musekura.

The district deputy CID boss, Mr Godian Gahebwomuhangi, said Mr Christopher Muhwezi, Ms Annet Kyomuhangi and Mr Charles Byaruhanga were injured and are hospitalised after the incident that took place at Rubaya Sub-county headquarters on Tuesday.

Amuru suspends rallies
In Amuru, campaigns for Woman Member of Parliament have been indefinitely suspended following escalation of violence. The candidates, Ms Betty Alimadi Ochitti, Ms Concy Nyapolo and Ms Jane Francis Okili Amongin have opted to quit the joint campaigns, accusing their colleague, Ms Betty Bigombe, of using operatives to beat up their supporters.

In an impromptu meeting the trio held in Gulu town, they resolved to petition the NRM Secretariat for immediate intervention. On Tuesday night, unknown people attacked the husband of Ms Alimadi in Amuru town council demolishing an unfinished house and burning down seven huts.

Arua candidates warned
In Arua Municipality, candidates have been warned that they risk being expelled, if they do not contain their supporters. This follows an incident in which the supporters of the six candidates clashed last Friday.

“Once anybody embarks on sectarianism and abusive language, we shall cancel his candidature,” the Arua NRM Administrative Secretary, Mr Swaib Akifo, told Daily Monitor.