Buturo summoned over vote rigging
Former Ethics and Integrity state minister James Nsaba Buturo celebrates with his supporters after winning the Bufumbira East NRM primary election in Kisoro District recently. PHOTO BY ROBERT MUHEREZA
KABALE.
The High Court in Kabale District has summoned former state minister of Ethics and Integrity, Dr James Nsaba Buturo, to answer claims that he rigged the NRM party primary election for Bufumbira East Constituency in Kisoro District.
The High Court summons dated November 24, demands that Dr Buturo and the NRM party file their defence within 15 days from the date of service of the summons to avoid court hearing the case in their absence.
Mr Eddie Kwizera Wa Gahungu, who lost the primary election on October 27, to Dr Buturo, petitioned the court seeking for nullification of the election, claiming the electoral process was conducted in a highly militarised and shambolic environment.
Accusations
“The NRM party primaries was riddled with irregularities such as multiple voting, Dr Nsaba Buturo used officer and men of the UPDF to intimidate and harass voters opposed to him, inadequate voting materials and civil servants such as teachers were being used and polling officials in this partisan election,” Mr Kwizera said in a November 23, petition.
However, Dr Buturo said last Friday he has not received the summons, and he will instruct his lawyers to respond once he gets them. He also said the allegations against him were false.
