Bulambuli, Uganda: The Bugisu Subregion Bulambuli District is teetering on the brink of an electoral crisis ahead of tomorrow’s NRM elections, following fresh revelations of missing declaration forms, an alleged rigging plot, and politically driven violence threatening the credibility of the exercise.
On Wednesday, July 16, the NRM Electoral Commission, led by Dr Tanga Odoi, officially dispatched election registers and materials to districts across the country. But, in Bulambuli, it was a different story all over as declaration forms for over 600 villages in both Elgon North and Elgon County were reportedly missing.
These forms, officials say, are critical for capturing and declaring results, and their disappearance now casts doubt over the transparency and credibility of the process.
Sources within Bulambuli’s political circles have further revealed that a secret meeting was held Tuesday night at the residence of Hon. Irene Muloni in the Senior Quarters. The meeting reportedly involved senior party officials, including Massa (NRM General Secretary), Hon. Gerald, Hon. Irene Muloni (NRM Treasurer), and security operatives.
Intelligence-based information availed to this reporter indicates that discussions focused on manipulating the election outcome using state machinery, intimidation, and orchestrated violence to secure victory for favored candidates.
Bulambuli’s volatile political environment has already been flagged as a hotspot for electoral violence in this cycle. During the recent party structuring phase, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) narrowly survived a near-fatal attack after opposing certain political factions. Tensions remain high, with fresh fears of unrest ahead of tomorrow’s polls.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that Mr. Nagimesi, a candidate for Elgon North Constituency, was assaulted on alleged orders of the incumbent MP. Security personnel reportedly turned a blind eye, sparking outrage among supporters and fueling fears of escalating violence.
Adding to the concerns is the conduct of the District Registrar, who has openly campaigned for selected candidates he claims are “close friends of Dr. Tanga Odoi,” the NRM’s national electoral boss. When questioned about his actions, the registrar allegedly retorted: “I am the god of this election.”
Residents from sub-counties, including Lusha, Bulago, Sot, Buluganya, and Bumasobo, have also raised alarm over the arrival of hired goons and bouncers ferried in from outside Bulambuli to disrupt tomorrow’s elections.
Unfortunately, despite these threats, security operatives have reportedly declined to intervene, fueling suspicions of bias and collusion.
With voting less than 24 hours away, the combination of missing election materials, threats of violence, and compromised security institutions points to a looming electoral disaster for the NRM in Bulambuli.
The concerned residents and political observers are calling on the NRM Secretariat, the National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the Office of the President to urgently investigate the Bulambuli situation, recover the missing materials, and ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
“The people of Bulambuli deserve justice, order, and respect for their democratic rights,” a concerned local leader told DailyExpress.
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