Mubende LC1 Election Suspended After NRM Candidate Walks Out Amidst Candidate's Withdrawal

A Local Council One (LC1) election in Kibaati Village, Mubende Municipality, was brought to an abrupt halt after an independent candidate withdrew and declared support for the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate. This unexpected move prompted the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate to also exit the polling exercise, leading to its suspension.

The election initially featured three contenders: John Zziwa for the NRM, Jude Kezaala of the NUP, and Vincent Kamukama as an independent.

Election officials implemented restrictions, allowing only registered voters into the restricted polling area to ensure order. However, the situation escalated when Vincent Kamukama, realizing his limited support base, withdrew from the race and publicly endorsed NUP’s Jude Kezaala.

This action angered NRM’s John Zziwa, who subsequently walked out along with his supporters, leaving only Kezaala’s supporters queued. Attempts by election officials to count the remaining voters were repeatedly disrupted, ultimately leading Returning Officer David Mwanka to suspend the entire exercise.

Mwanka stated that continuing the process was impossible under the circumstances and that the suspension was necessary to maintain transparency and public confidence. Witnesses reported further interruptions and suspicions arising even after a second counting attempt was made.

Both Kezaala and Zziwa expressed dissatisfaction, with Kezaala accusing officials of delaying a declaration and Zziwa calling for a fresh, transparent election. Kamukama defended his decision, citing a lack of a realistic chance to win and a belief in Kezaala’s platform.

NUP supporters remained at the station demanding a declaration for their candidate, who was the sole individual left in the queue. However, the returning officer confirmed the suspension and assured residents that a new polling date would be communicated after necessary consultations.

Source: Nile Post