Tension remains high in Nansana following violent clashes that erupted during the election of division mayors, leaving several people injured and raising serious concerns about the credibility of the expected results.
Residents say they are still nursing wounds sustained during the chaos, which they argue points to an electoral process that was neither free nor fair.
“The violence we witnessed yesterday clearly shows that whatever results are announced will not reflect the will of the people,” one resident told reporters.
Among the injured is Daniel Gumisiriza, the LC3 councillor for Nabweru North 2, who is receiving treatment at a hospital in Nansana along with another victim. Speaking from his hospital bed, Gumisiriza said he narrowly escaped death.
“I was almost killed yesterday. I questioned what was going on in the voting process, and that is when they descended on me and beat me badly until I was left bedridden,” Gumisiriza said.
He accused supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), allegedly working in collaboration with Nansana Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Charles Lwanga, of interfering with the election.
Gumisiriza also expressed fears that the outcome of the race had already been predetermined, claiming the violence was intended to clear the way for an NRM victory.
“What happened last night shows clearly that they want to declare NRM’s Samuel Mugabi as the winner, regardless of the people’s choice,” he alleged.
Residents dismissed media reports claiming that a supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP) had been arrested while in possession of forged ballot papers. They described the reports as false and politically motivated.
“That story is not true. It was staged to create fear and confusion, and to justify the violence,” one resident said, blaming the NRM for what he called a deliberate ploy to destabilize the area.
The residents have since appealed to security agencies to stop using excessive force against civilians.
“We ask security to restrain themselves and stop beating people, even those they think do not support the government,” a community leader urged.
The Nansana Division mayoral seat is being contested by six candidates, although the race is widely viewed as a tight contest among Sali Isaac Keith (Independent), Samuel Mugabi (NRM), and Joseph Matovu (NUP).
Vote tallying is still ongoing at the Wakiso District tally centre, with official results yet to be announced.
