Men Arrested for Disguising as Women in Mukono Council Elections

The women’s Local Council elections in Mukono were marked by unusual drama when several men were apprehended for attempting to vote by disguising themselves as women. Reports indicate that at least two men were caught at the Kiwanga-Lwanda Cell in Goma Division dressed in traditional gomesis, wigs, and hijabs, attempting to blend in with female voters.

These individuals were immediately arrested and handed over to the police. Two other men, suspected of being part of the same scheme, managed to evade capture. This attempt to infiltrate the women-only electoral process highlights the lengths some individuals went to in order to influence the outcome.

Further disturbances were reported at St Paul Catholic Parish polling station in Mukono Central Division. Here, three more men were arrested for allegedly disrupting the election. Among them was reportedly the husband of a contestant, Lady Florence Nabuguzi. Additionally, two youths claimed to be campaigning for an NRM candidate were escorted away by residents and police for causing disturbances.

Beyond the impersonation attempts, the elections also faced accusations of irregularities. Independent candidate Florence Namyalo withdrew from the race in Nama 2 Village, citing issues with the voter register, claiming voters from a neighboring village had been included and that her grievances were not heard. Betty Nasaze was subsequently declared elected unopposed.

Despite these isolated incidents, Electoral Officer Robert Sekirya described the overall election process in Mukono Central Division as largely peaceful. Investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, and their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Source: Nile Post