Violence mars Kyadondo East election campaigns

Kyadondo East MP aspirant Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine (left) runs with his supporters during door-to-door campaigns on Tuesday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

WAKISO- With only five days to the Kyadondo East parliamentary by-election, campaigns have turned violent with various cases of unlawful acts being reported.
Several cases of candidates’ posters being torn have been recorded.

On Wednesday, FDC candidate Apollo Kantinti’s posters and banners were found ripped into pieces at Luteete Trading Centre on Gayaza Road in Kyadondo East County.
“It is absurd that this kind of thing is happening, why can’t my competitors be peaceful and we finish this race safely. I call this kind of act cowardice,” said Mr Kantinti.
FDC women league chairperson Ingrid Turinawe told Daily Monitor that the acts of tearing posters have been ongoing and FDC candidate had changed to banners.

In a telephone interview, Electoral Commission spokesperson Jotham Taremwa said there have been some violent cases being reported in Kyadondo East parliamentary campaigns.
“We have heard about the violence in the constituency and we are investigating. Anyone found culpable will be brought to book,” said Mr Taremwa.
Mr Sande Muyunga,40, a resident of Luteete, Kasangati, condemned the habit of tearing candidates’ posters.

“We had peaceful campaigns in 2016 but I think the entrance of new candidates has brought all these problems. We hope it can stop because it is disorganising the calmness in Kyadondo,” said Mr Muyunga.
Independent candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu a.k.a Bobi Wine said he has suffered the same fate.

“Some people are claiming it’s my supporters tearing down the posters but mine are also being torn. I won’t point fingers at anyone as others are doing. All I want is victory on June 29,” said Mr Kyagulanyi.
Last week, two men: Joseph Balam and Daniel Mbowa were allegedly attacked by unknown people and the case was reported to Manyangwa Police Post. The Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson, Mr Emilian Kayima, said the cases are being investigated and he called for peace in the area.

Court ruling
Mr Kantinti lost the seat after both the Court of Appeal and the High Court nullified his election on grounds that the EC did not comply with electoral laws.