AMOS K
NRM youths from Kiyaga Cell, Northern A Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality have protested against the elections, claiming they were not free and fair, as all the PFF candidates won unopposed.
The residents stated that many of their voters were neglected and denied the opportunity to vote, which prompted them to protest.
According to Michael Nasasira Mbanoha, the Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in the Western Division, who represented the NRM youths, the election was unfair because their voters were ignored, with some even taken over by supporters from PFF, which forced them to abandon the voting process.
Furthermore, Michael revealed that they will not stop at protesting but will proceed to court to petition for a free and fair election.
Nakunda Promise, the PFF Youth Chairperson for Rwemiya, said that the protesting youths were found guilty of attempting to use forged voters who were not on the register. This forced the returning officer to intervene, and upon his arrival, the group refused to vote, which indicated their guilt.
Additionally, Promise advised fellow youths to avoid conflict during elections, reminding them that they are brothers and sisters.
In response, Namara Abaasi, the Rukungiri District Returning Officer, acknowledged that the situation was tense at first, but they managed to calm things down and proceeded with the elections, although one group protested.
Abaasi advised voters that voting should not be seen as a do-or-die affair, emphasizing that leaders are elected to serve the people.
