SIMPSON M
Electoral-related violence today marred the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) structure elections at Kagashe Playground in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, leading to the postponement of the veterans’ elections.
By 10:00 am, several voters had filled the area awaiting the polling process, and at around noon, the elections began with the NRM chairperson seat, which was won by Mr. Kashumbusha Lorence Tycoon with 79 votes. His vice, Mr. Mucunguzi Fred, went through unopposed.
In his remarks, Mr. Kashumbusha Lorence Tycoon expressed gratitude to the people for re-electing him as the NRM Mainstream Committee Chairperson and pledged to work with them for the development of Eastern Division and Rukungiri Municipality at large.
Other positions were contested in stiff competition, which caused chaos and violence—especially the position for veterans, where the two opponents disagreed on who should vote, as some voters were not listed in the register.
According to retired Sergeant Banyenzaki Emmanuel Kamugisha, the incumbent Chairperson for Veterans in Rukungiri Municipality, he was disappointed with the registrar for allowing people who were not in the register—and were not veterans—to vote.
He said it was an unfair move, as it is not allowed, and accused the registrar of being influenced by some councilors who were not on his side and wanted to manipulate the vote to favor their candidate.
According to Mucunguzi Fred, who won the position of Vice Chairperson, NRM Mainstream Committee, the confusion was caused by members who were denying some veterans the right to vote, even though they were listed in the register.
He added that some members were accusing veterans—who were elected at their respective wards—of not being veterans, yet they were officially registered as such.
Keshobiire Charles, the Registrar of Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, said that the election for veterans was canceled after some members forcefully attempted to be added to the register as veterans, despite lacking proper identification cards.
He noted that the veterans’ election was postponed and will be conducted tomorrow, 17th May 2025, at Kagashe Playground. All veterans are required to come with their retirement certificates to confirm their eligibility.
