Nantaba accuses RDC of intimidation

Ms Idah Nantaba is lifted by supporters in Kayunga Town after a rally recently. FILE PHOTO

KAYUNGA- State minister of Lands Idah Nantaba and the parliamentary candidate for Ntenjeru South, Mr Fred Baseke, have accused the Kayunga Resident District Commissioner, Ms Rose Birungi, and security personnel in the district of intimidating their supporters.

Ms Nantaba, who is contesting for the Kayunga Woman MP seat as an Independent candidate against Ms Juliet Nalunga, the NRM flag bearer, claims security operatives and officials from the RDC’s office often arrest and intimidate her supporters.

“Many of my supporters have been arrested over trumped up charges whereas those of my competitor are carrying out acts of violence on my supporters but they have been left to go scot free,” Ms Nantaba complained.

She alleged that the acts are intended to scare her supporters so that they don’t canvass support for her.

On his part, Mr Baseke said all they want are free and fair elections.

“My campaign posters in Kangulumira town were all pulled down on the eve of the president’s campaign rally in the area,” Mr Baseke said, adding: “I am now fearing for my life and I ask for the intervention of the Electoral Commission. How can such intimidation go on with police just looking on?”

However, Ms Birungi denied the allegations saying her office does not carry out arrests of any nature.

She said the police would continue arresting people involved in promoting acts of election violence.

“The police will arrest any candidates or supporters involved in acts that contravene the law. It is not only their supporters that have been arrested but even those of their rivals like Patrick Nsanja,” Ms Birungi said.

The Kayunga CIID boss, Mr Maliseno Mulema, dismissed claims that the police was making selective arrests because it is partisan explaining that it does not consider which candidate one supports before it makes any arrests.