Police in Nansana, Wakiso district have arrested three electoral officials after they were allegedly found in possession of forged ballot papers during a tightly contested race for Mayor of Nansana Division.
The suspects have been identified as Raulah Nakabuye, a Presiding Officer, Angel Najjuma, an operator, and Diana Nalubowa, a polling assistant. Their arrest followed a security operation that uncovered what authorities described as “significant quantities of forged ballot papers.”
According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Nansana, Charles Lwanga, the officials were intercepted and immediately handed over to police at Nabweru Police Station.
“We have been monitoring this group for some time over allegations of handling and distributing forged ballot papers,” RDC Lwanga said as he displayed the recovered materials. “Today, security personnel caught up with them, and they will be charged in court.”
RDC said the suspects initially denied the accusations. However, events took a dramatic turn during questioning.
“One of the suspects, Angel Najjuma, appeared confused and began speaking incoherently,” RDC said.
“Later, Diana Nalubowa admitted that the matter involved forged ballot papers and accused her colleagues of bringing them.”
Samuel Matovu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), accused two youths to cause chaos linked to the alleged theft of ballot papers.
“I believe these youths are the ones behind the disturbances we have witnessed,” Matovu claimed.
The situation in Nansana later escalated as police, backed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), moved to quell unrest involving groups of youths suspected of planning violence.
“It was a very tense operation on the voters said.
“Some of the youths attempted to fight security personnel, forcing the security to intervene.” they added.
Several suspects were arrested during the operation and taken to police custody, where they remain detained as investigations continue.
Authorities say further inquiries are ongoing, warning that anyone found culpable in electoral malpractice will face the full force of the law.
