Iganga, Uganda: The NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Monday declared Mr. Kayemba Patrick as the duly elected NRM flag bearer for Kigulu South constituency in Iganga District after a rerun held in 14 disputed villages.
Kayemba secured 7,978 votes, defeating three rivals, including incumbent MP Hon. Milton Muwuma, who polled 5,105 votes. Other contestants were Ntulume Yusuf Kyafu with 7,526 votes and Sebukaire Abdul Rahman alias Kangha with 7,125 votes.
The rerun followed a decision by the NRM election tribunal to nullify results from 14 villages after petitions were lodged contesting irregularities in the initial exercise. Dr. Odoi personally supervised the process in Iganga, while other commission staff monitored reruns across Namutumba, Buyende and Namayingo.
The exercise began with delays as some Kigulu South voters demanded open elections without registers, sparking tension until security was beefed up to allow voting to proceed smoothly. Voters in Lwelera village also raised concerns over registers that allegedly contained unfamiliar names, casting doubts on authenticity before the exercise resumed.
In the July 17 primaries, Kayemba had led with 7,095 votes, followed by Ntulume (6,657), Sebukaire (6,608) and Hon. Muwuma (5,248). However, the process was marred by controversy after Iganga District NRM Returning Officer Mr. Kirunda Yazid was arrested for prematurely declaring Kayemba winner, while Ntulume later circulated a document bearing Dr. Odoi’s signature, which Tanga dismissed as inauthentic.
Meanwhile, in Buyende District, Namulondo Sarah was declared NRM flag bearer for Woman MP again after her challengers Achom Robina and incumbent Hon. Nakato Mary Annet withdrew from the re-run.
Namulondo secured 86,580 votes, Nakato garnered 57,527 votes, while Achom Kaima polled 24,991 votes before bowing out.
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