Tally Clerk Sentenced to 18 Months for Forging Election Results in Namutumba

A Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kaiti has imprisoned Marvin Kivunike, a 24-year-old tally clerk from Namutumba Town Council, for 18 months. He pleaded guilty to charges of forgery and uttering false documents under Uganda’s Penal Code Act.

On February 4, 2026, at the Basoga Nsadhu Tallying Centre, Kivunike altered electoral returns for Local Council III chairperson positions in Nangonde, Kiwanyi, Kagulu, and Namutumba sub-counties. He then submitted the falsified papers to District Returning Officer Margaret Kugonza Harriet, leading her to announce incorrect winners.

The tampering caused chaos, with aggrieved candidates rejecting the results and demanding a review. After verification, Kugonza cancelled the false declarations and named new victors: Gusango Samuel Moses (Namutumba), Muyinda Milton (Kiwanyi), Sande Adinani Kanindo (Kagulu), and Ismael Lamusa (Nangonde).

Kivunike sought leniency, citing his first offense, family responsibilities, and inducement by bribe promises from candidates. Magistrate Ambrose Mugweri rejected this, stating that such fraud undermines democracy, misleads voters, and erodes electoral credibility. The sentences on two counts will run concurrently.

Kugonza apologized publicly, blaming Kivunike’s bribery-motivated actions. Despite corrections, some politicians from FDC, NUP, NRM, and independents alleged wider manipulation, including in parliamentary races, and called for fresh polls.

This case has reignited debates on tallying integrity, with anonymous figures claiming systemic data tampering.

Source: Daily Monitor