The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for LC5 and mayoral positions have been characterized by low voter turnout and scattered incidents of violence, raising concerns about the transparency and safety of the electoral process.
Several candidates across different districts have decried what they describe as organized vote manipulation, with youth gangs, locally known as Egaali, reportedly interfering with the elections.
In Wakiso District, reports indicate that groups of uncontrolled youth believed to be affiliated with former district chairperson Ian Kyeyune moved from polling station to polling station, allegedly influencing the voting process.
Security teams made up of the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been deployed to maintain order and respond swiftly to any incidents of violence.
According to reports, security agencies were able to prevent escalation in areas where violence was detected early.
In Makindye Division, vote counting is already underway, with results from various villages being delivered to the tally centre at Makindye Division headquarters.
Four candidates are contesting for the Division Mayor seat, including Yasin Omari, Richard Nyombi, Robert Prince Otebe, and Juma Kayima.
For the Kampala Lord Mayor race under the NRM ticket, seven candidates are in the running.
Among the notable names are Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, Yosamu Mayambala, and Mohammed Ssendagire.
In a notable result, Yasin Omarisecured a landslide victory in Muyenga Hill village, where he garnered 350 votes, while his competitors did not register a single vote.
Omari expressed gratitude to his supporters, thanking them for their overwhelming support and the trust they have placed in him.
Security has since been intensified at the Makindye Division tally centreto ensure a smooth and peaceful conclusion to the vote-counting process.
By Olivia Nabaggala
24th July 2025
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