Panic broke out at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Mukono District after unidentified individuals attempted to break into the premises at night, allegedly targeting ballot boxes for Mukono North.
Police, led by Mukono District Police Commander Benard Mugerwa, responded promptly and blocked the suspects from accessing the offices. Officers were seen patrolling the area in darkness after electricity to the premises was reportedly cut off.
“The situation was tense because the offices were in total darkness, but our officers ensured that no one accessed the premises,” a police officer at the scene said.
The incident attracted several politicians, including Mukono North MP-elect Abdallah Kiwanuka Mulima Mayuni, who rushed to the EC offices to assess the situation amid confusion.
Speaking at the scene, Mulima Mayuni alleged that the attackers intended to tamper with ballot boxes in order to create grounds for a court petition seeking a recount.
“They want to break the ballot boxes so that they can go to court and ask for a recount,” Mulima Mayuni said. “But I want to assure the people of Mukono North that I will defend my victory. I know there are plans to challenge the results, but I am ready.”
He criticised the security arrangements at the EC offices, pointing to the absence of a standby generator and surveillance cameras.
“It is unfortunate that such sensitive offices can be left in darkness without cameras. It becomes very difficult to identify people who want to interfere with the electoral process,” he said.
Some mayoral and councillor candidates who also visited the scene expressed fears of a wider scheme to interfere with electoral materials.
“There could be a conspiracy to fill in blank ballot papers if security is not tightened,” one of the candidates said.
The District Police Commander later deployed a police convoy to reinforce security at the entrance gate and ordered continued patrols within Mukono town.
On Wednesday morning, all elected Members of Parliament from Mukono District held a joint press conference condemning the attempted break-in at the EC offices.
“We strongly condemn this attack and any attempts to interfere with the electoral process,” one of the MPs said.
“The victory of Muyanja was legally obtained, and we shall defend it.”
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed the attempted attack, saying officers acted swiftly to prevent the suspects from accessing the premises.
“Our officers responded in time and successfully blocked the suspects from entering the Electoral Commission offices,” Kawala said.
“Security has since been tightened to ensure the safety of all electoral materials.”
