Mayuge RDC Halts PDM Elections Amidst Violence and Irregularities

Electoral processes for the Parish Development Model (PDM) committees in Mayuge District have been brought to a standstill following disruptive incidents and violence. Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt. Haji Ramathan Walugembe took the decisive action to suspend the elections across several parishes, citing concerns over the integrity and safety of the ongoing exercise.

The disruptions ranged from protests over alleged irregularities to outright violence. In Bubinge Parish, residents voiced strong objections to what they termed a flawed process, including the alleged omission of a candidate’s name from the official voter list. This led to the immediate halt of the elections by the parish chief to de-escalate rising tensions.

Further escalating the situation, a separate incident in Wante Village saw residents reportedly arriving at a polling station armed with dangerous weapons, intending to disrupt the voting. The RDC intervened swiftly, suspending the elections and mandating a re-organization for a more orderly conduct.

RDC Walugembe has tasked the District Commercial Officer with rescheduling the elections and ensuring strict adherence to all procedural guidelines. He issued a stern warning against any interference with the electoral process, vowing arrest and prosecution for offenders.

Emphasizing the voluntary nature of PDM committee roles, the RDC cautioned against the “do-or-die” mentality observed. He urged candidates to cease inciting voters or sponsoring violence for electoral gain, highlighting that these positions are for community service and do not carry salaries or government benefits.

Echoing these concerns, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mayuge, Abdu Batambuze, advised against viewing these roles as financial opportunities. He revealed that some candidates are allegedly spending money to influence voters, expecting to recoup their expenses once elected. Batambuze implored residents to reject such individuals, advocating for leaders motivated by genuine service.

Local leaders also noted a prevalent misconception that committee members receive financial benefits, fueling the intense competition. Calls for fairness and transparency in the election management have been made to ensure communities can freely choose trusted representatives.

The Parish Development Model initiative is a critical government program designed to bolster household incomes and foster community development at the grassroots level, with PDM committees playing a vital role in its implementation.

This was reported by Nile Post.