Tension and chaos erupted during the election of the Speaker for Wakiso District Council after councillors from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) accused members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of attempting to manipulate the voting process.
The drama unfolded shortly after newly elected councillors were sworn in and proceeded to the council chambers for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Journalists were initially blocked from accessing the chambers, with officials insisting the voting process be conducted behind closed doors.
The move sparked protest from NUP councillors, who reportedly refused to proceed without media presence, causing a temporary standoff.
When the process eventually resumed, NUP fronted Vincent Mulidwa for the Speakership, while NRM endorsed Ibrahim Kazibwe.
The election, presided over by Wakiso Chief Magistrate Her Worship Sikhoya Naume, involved 105 councillors who voted by secret ballot after both candidates addressed the house.
Tension escalated during vote counting when an NUP agent raised concern over what he described as an irregular ballot paper, triggering heated exchanges inside the chambers.
“There is a ballot paper we do not trust in this process,” the NUP agent protested, prompting a brief disruption.
The disagreement quickly escalated into chaos, with councillors exchanging angry words and nearly coming to blows before police intervened to restore order.
After calm was restored, counting resumed and Ibrahim Kazibwe was declared winner with 70 votes, while Vincent Mulidwa garnered 35 votes.
Kazibwe was immediately sworn in and handed instruments of office, including the ceremonial mace and Speaker’s attire.
The council then proceeded to elect the Deputy Speaker, where NRM’s Rahumah Nakiyingi defeated NUP’s Grace Nambusi with 56 votes against 45.
In his acceptance remarks, Kazibwe pledged to work with all councillors regardless of political affiliation.
“I thank all councillors for the trust you have shown in me. I ask everyone to work together so that Wakiso District Council can move forward smoothly,” he said.
Wakiso District LC5 Chairperson Ian Kyeyune urged councillors to put political differences aside and focus on service delivery.
“Elections are now over. The people of Wakiso are waiting for service delivery from all of us,” he said.
Resident District Commissioner Justine Mbabazi also called for unity and cooperation in advancing development priorities.
The Wakiso District Council is composed of 54 NRM councillors, 43 NUP councillors, one Ecological Party representative and eight independents.