Electoral authorities have called off Local Council One (LC1) elections in five cells across Mbarara City following widespread violence, chaos, and alleged interference by senior political leaders, including Members of Parliament and city councillors.
Electoral officials reported that several high-ranking politicians unlawfully entered polling stations in the affected areas, where they allegedly attempted to influence voters, intimidate election officials, and sway the outcome in favor of their preferred candidates.
Mbarara City Returning Officer Violet Atuhura confirmed the immediate cancellation of voting in the five affected cells, saying the deteriorating security situation made it impossible to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.
"One of the challenges we have encountered is influence from politicians at different levels of the city in these LC1 elections. We cannot allow an exercise meant for grassroots leadership to be hijacked by violence and undue influence from higher-level politicians," Atuhura said.
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She noted that the presence of senior politicians at polling stations fueled tensions among voters.
"When they come down here, people become divided, and where there is division, there is chaos and violence. The safety of voters, electoral personnel, and the integrity of the ballot must take priority," she added.
Atuhura assured residents that they would still have an opportunity to elect their local leaders, announcing that the canceled elections would be held on a later date after security arrangements are strengthened.
"We are still compiling the full list, but elections in Kakiika, Mandela, Nyakaizi, Rwenkanja, and Karugangama cells have been canceled. The elections became violent, forcing us to halt the exercise. We are hopeful that fresh polls will be conducted once we receive guidance from our supervisors," she said.
The unrest was most severe in Karugangama Cell in Mbarara City South, where rival political groups clashed at a polling station.
To restore order and prevent further violence, security personnel fired teargas and live bullets into the air to disperse the unruly crowds that had disrupted voting and threatened election officials.
Security agencies have since launched investigations into the violence and allegations of political interference, with authorities pledging to hold those responsible accountable before fresh elections are conducted.
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Despite the disruptions, the elections registered a high voter turnout across Mbarara City. A total of 51 out of 186 LC1 chairperson positions were filled unopposed, including 22 in Mbarara City North Division and 29 in Mbarara City South Division. The election of executive committee members was also successfully conducted in many villages.
