The Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, intervened to restore calm after tensions erupted during the election of village leaders in Kirinda Village, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka City, where a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate had initially taken the lead before election officials declared the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate the winner.
Voting for village leaders started peacefully across Masaka City and several other parts of Uganda. However, as the day progressed, disagreements emerged at some polling stations over the conduct and outcome of the elections.
At Kirinda Village, NUP candidate Denis Lubega appeared to have received overwhelming support, with about 15 voters lining up behind him compared to three behind the NRM candidate. However, before the counting process was completed, the presiding election official declared the NRM candidate the winner, sparking protests from residents.
NUP supporters later stopped the convoy of Minister Balaam Barugahara and informed him about the disputed results.
The minister immediately travelled to the polling station, accompanied by security personnel and officials from the Masaka City Electoral Commission, where he directed that the voting process be repeated to establish the actual choice of the voters.
“The election must be conducted fairly and transparently. If there is doubt about the results, the process should be repeated so that the true will of the people is respected,” Barugahara said.
The presiding election official, Ahmed Nadduli, then began reading out the names of registered voters. As each voter was called, they lined up behind their preferred candidate.
The repeat process confirmed that the majority of voters supported NUP candidate Denis Lubega, leading NRM candidate Zaverio Nsubuga to concede defeat and acknowledge that Lubega had won.
After being declared the winner, Lubega thanked Minister Balaam Barugahara and President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as ensuring that the will of the people was respected.
He also appointed his former rival as deputy village chairperson, saying the decision was aimed at promoting unity and cooperation within the community.
“I thank Minister Balaam and President Museveni for standing for justice and ensuring that the rightful winner was declared. I have also chosen my former opponent to serve as my vice chairperson so that we can work together for the development of our village,” Lubega said.
Minister Barugahara condemned electoral malpractice, warning against individuals who manipulate election outcomes while claiming to act on behalf of the President.
“No one should steal people’s votes while claiming to act on behalf of the President. Elections must reflect the genuine choice of the people, and we shall work with everyone who has been legitimately elected in the interest of peace and development,” Barugahara said.
Meanwhile, elections at Kantungamye–Kingo also experienced initial disagreements before calm was restored, with Edward Mugarura eventually emerging victorious.
