EDITOR
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party primaries to select a flag bearer for the Kisoro Woman MP by-election, initially set ahead of the November 14 by-election, were unexpectedly suspended yesterday due to issues surrounding voter eligibility.
National Vice Chairperson Brenda Atim Kinyera ordered the suspension after discovering that some candidates had allegedly brought ineligible voters to the event, held at Bamboo Gardens in Kisoro Municipality’s central division.
The primary race saw two main contenders: Susan Natukunda, Guild Speaker of Metropolitan International University, and Ingabire Meble, a graduate in guidance and counseling and former employee of the Hope for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (HAVOC) project in Kisoro district. Both candidates presented their manifestos to party leaders, regional representatives, and voters before the disruption.
Tensions arose during voter verification when some voters were asked to line up, sparking confusion and objections to the verification process led by Vice Chairperson Kinyera. In a statement, Kinyera explained that many participants were found to be ineligible UPC members, which contravenes the party’s constitution. She pointed out that a large portion of these ineligible voters were students from Metropolitan International University who do not reside in Kisoro.
Kisoro District UPC Chairperson Amos Manirakiza, however, opposed Kinyera’s decision to suspend the primaries. While he acknowledged uncertainty about the exact number and eligibility of registered voters, he advocated for a neutral approach, suggesting that all members be permitted to vote.
Candidate Ingabire Meble supported the suspension, citing the need to address malpractice in UPC elections. On the other hand, Susan Natukunda criticized the decision, accusing her rival of working with national leaders to unfairly disrupt the electoral process.
As the UPC party seeks to address these voter eligibility concerns, a new date for the primaries is yet to be announced.
