John Kabeeho Kigungu, an aspirant for the Ntungamo District LCV chairperson seat, says he will petition court to challenge the outcome of the recent LC5 elections, alleging widespread malpractice, intimidation of voters and security forces' interference, as he also appeals for a recount of the votes.
Speaking to journalists in Ntungamo on Monday, a day after chaotic scenes in the municipality that saw police disperse his supporters, Kabeeho said he had opted for legal redress following what he described as a compromised electoral process.
"The court should be fair. It should not look at who has much money but rather deliver justice. It should fight against people who do not believe in democracy," Kabeeho said.
He claimed the vote did not reflect the will of the electorate, alleging the presence of armed personnel at polling stations and irregular handling of ballots.
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"I had masses behind me. Almost all. The majority of people were with me. It was unfortunate to see people with guns moving everywhere and using excessive force, putting already ticked ballot papers into ballot boxes," he alleged.
Kabeeho also appealed directly to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene, saying the integrity of the LC5 elections in the district had been undermined.
"I call upon the President of Uganda to intervene in the LC5 chairman elections. I wonder why all this is happening when the leadership is seeing," he said.
Following his defeat, Kabeeho and several of his supporters were taken away by police on Sunday after a demonstration demanding justice. Some of the supporters were reportedly beaten as security personnel moved in to disperse the crowd.
"They arrested people who were transparent and innocent," Kabeeho said.
He further blamed what he termed "mafias" within Ntungamo District for orchestrating vote rigging and ballot stuffing, accusing elements within the ruling party of working against him.
"There were mafias who denied me victory. I blame my government. Some of them are in the same NRM family here in the district," Kabeeho said, without naming individuals.
Kabeeho added that similar irregularities had affected his earlier bid during the NRM primaries, where he also claims his victory was stolen.
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Official results from the LC5 elections held last Thursday show that the incumbent chairperson, Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba, retained his seat after securing 84,903 votes, against Kabeeho's 80,465.
