NRM's Kisembo Secures Landslide Victory in Kikuube LC5 By-Election Amidst Opposition Allegations

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Paddy Kisembo, has emerged victorious in the Kikuube District LC5 chairperson by-election, securing a significant win. Kisembo garnered 26,612 votes, a substantial lead over his closest rival, Fenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received 8,712 votes.

The election, which involved 330 polling stations across the district, concluded with a total of 35,324 valid votes cast. Returning Officer Emmanuel Twine announced the results late in the evening.

From the start of vote tallying, Kisembo maintained a dominant lead, with results consistently consolidating his advantage as they came in from polling stations across Kikuube District.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama commended the electorate for largely conducting a peaceful election, noting a lack of major violent incidents. “I want to commend the people of Kikuube for being peaceful. I have not received reports of fights or major incidents of violence,” Byabakama stated.

However, Byabakama also expressed concern over the persistently low voter turnout, a recurring challenge the commission aims to address. “Indeed we have low voter turnout. We spoke to voters at various polling stations and they shared concerns. We shall sit as a commission and discuss these issues because they are not unique to Kikuube,” he added.

Despite the Electoral Commission’s assessment of a largely peaceful process, the NUP has contested the outcome. The party’s Kikuube chairperson, Peter Senjubu, alleged that the election was marred by voter bribery, intimidation, and ballot manipulation, claiming evidence of pre-ticked ballot papers and involvement of security agencies.

Senjubu stated that the NUP is gathering evidence to file a petition challenging the results in court.

Following his declaration as the winner, Kisembo called for unity and reconciliation, urging his opponents to set aside campaign differences for the collective development of Kikuube. He highlighted key priorities for his administration, including improving health, education, access to clean water, and addressing land grabbing issues by issuing free land titles.

The election concluded with a clear victory for the NRM, though it has also paved the way for potential legal challenges from the opposition. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349791/how-kisembo-swept-kikuube-lc5-by-election