RUKIGA, UGANDA – Former Rukiga District Chairperson aspirant, Hon. Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, has publicly exposed widespread electoral irregularities that he alleges marred the recent local council elections, specifically in Kamwezi Sub-County.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Addressing a press conference at Apo Hotel on Saturday, the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) chairperson, now a strong member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), outlined the anomalies that he says cost him the election.
The officially declared results named Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda the winner with 21,028 votes (54.05%), defeating Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, who received 17,878 votes (45.95%). This narrow district-wide margin masks a starkly contradictory voting pattern.
Hon. Mbareba outperformed his rival in five of the district’s six sub-counties and town councils, securing victories in:
· Bukinda Sub-County (7,599 vs. 7,592)
· Kashambya Sub-County (7,388 vs. 3,586)
· Rwamucucu Sub-County (4,515 vs. 3,365)
· Muhanga Town Council (5,656 vs. 5,085)
· Mparo Town Council (1,230 vs. 720).
Despite this strong performance across most areas, the results from Kamwezi Sub-County show a drastic reversal, with Simon Mutebi reportedly winning by a massive margin of 9,319 votes to Mbareba’s 1,938 with the single sub-county result ultimately swung the entire election.
Speaking to the press, Hon. Mbareba presented what he termed “irrefutable proof” of malpractice, showing videos from various polling stations in Kamwezi.
The evidence allegedly shows individuals carrying multiple pre-ticked ballots, persons voting repeatedly at different polling stations, and instances of altered results declaration forms.
“These irregularities were systemic and orchestrated to rob the people of Rukiga of their chosen leader. The manipulated result from Kamwezi is a statistical impossibility given my performance across the rest of the district, and we have the video evidence to show why,” Mbareba stated.
When questioned about his next course of action, the former aspirant confirmed that his legal team is meticulously reviewing all evidence and will soon announce their next step, which is likely to involve a legal petition.
“We are compiling a comprehensive dossier. My legal advisors are reviewing everything, and we will soon announce the rightful course of action, which may include a petition in the courts of law,” he said.
Mbareba expressed profound gratitude to his supporters across Rukiga District, pledging not to disappoint their trust and vowing to pursue the matter to a just conclusion.
He also used the platform to strongly reaffirm his commitment to the NRM, dismissing any speculation about a return to his former opposition affiliations as false and divisive.
“Let me be clear: I am a dedicated NRM cadre. Any claims that I would return to my former opposition affiliations are false and intended to cause confusion,” Mbareba asserted.
The allegations have cast a shadow over the election results in Rukiga, prompting calls from Mbareba’s supporters for the Electoral Commission to investigate the conduct of the poll in Kamwezi Sub-County.
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