Iganga, Uganda: Police in Iganga District have arrested NRM registrar Kirunda Yazid over allegations of electoral malpractice during the ruling party’s contentious Kigulu South primary elections held on July 17, 2025.
Kirunda is accused of unilaterally declaring Kayemba Patrick as winner despite unresolved disputes over results from key polling stations in the hotly contested race, which involved five candidates.
Provisional results had placed Kayemba Patrick in the lead with 7,095 votes, followed by Yusuf Kyafu Ntulume (6,657), Abdul Rahim Sebukaire alias Kyangha (6,608), incumbent MP Milton Muwuma (5,248), and Waiswa Ian (3,057).
However, discontent erupted after Kirunda allegedly ignored candidate protests over irregularities at Buseyi and Nakalama polling stations, despite an earlier consensus by the aspirants to withhold the results pending NRM headquarters’ intervention.
Busoga East Police Spokesperson SP Michael Kafayo confirmed the arrest, noting that Kirunda’s actions triggered violent riots along Iganga-Tororo highway where angry supporters blocked roads with burning debris, looted property, and assaulted bystanders.
“The irregularities were cited in Buseyi and Nakalama. All candidates had agreed to suspend the results until Kampala’s guidance, but Mr. Kirunda went ahead and declared Kayemba as the winner. This sparked protests leading to injuries and property damage,” said SP Kafayo on Monday, adding that Kirunda now faces charges related to electoral malpractice and incitement of violence, and is expected to appear in court soon.
In a related development, the Police in Mayuge also arrested the District NRM registrar Buseni Waiswa on similar charges after he declared results in Busakira Sub-County that exceeded the number of registered voters.
Police said Waiswa will answer charges of declaring fraudulent results likely to incite public disorder. “He declared inflated results for Busakira Sub-County, which were nullified after they were found to surpass the population figures. Investigations are ongoing and he will also face court,” SP Kafayo added.
DailyExpress has further learnt from reliable sources that Kirunda was first detained by State House operatives, who later searched his office, home, and vehicle for possible evidence to aid investigations, though no official confirmation has been given on what was recovered.
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