Residents of Bukedea District have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to order an investigation into alleged election-related violence, claiming widespread intimidation, voter suppression, and targeted attacks by security operatives during the electoral process.
The situation has reportedly deteriorated to the extent that more than 100 residents have fled their homes, citing fears for their safety.
Community members are calling for the establishment of an independent investigation committee to engage residents and hold accountable those accused of disrupting the elections.
According to residents, Bukedea was heavily deployed with security forces, including the army, police, and other operatives.
They allege that individuals perceived not to support National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates were targeted, while supporters of independent candidates faced vandalism of shops and death threats.
Residents further claim that, ahead of the elections, gangs operated openly in the district under the escort of police patrol vehicles.
Incidents of vandalism and looting reportedly occurred in the presence of security personnel, yet no action was taken.
Efforts to lodge complaints at police stations across the district were allegedly rejected, leaving residents in fear and prompting renewed calls for presidential intervention.
On Election Day, residents accuse security agencies of raiding polling stations,assaulting voters who were lining up to vote, and manipulating ballot papers in favour of certain candidates.
Julius Opolot, the NRM Chairperson for Kasechi Parish, Malera Sub-County, alleged that the elections did not reflect the will of the people. “Even President Museveni was not voted; he was just apportioned those votes,” Opolot said.
Opolot, a father of four, said he fled his home after receiving multiple death threats, leaving his mother behind to care for his children.
He alleged that gangs riding motorcycles and wielding pangas stormed polling stations in Malera, preventing residents from freely choosing their leaders.
He urged President Museveni to intervene to ensure Bukedea residents can exercise their democratic rights and that those responsible are brought to justice.
Joseph Amailem, the LC III Chairperson for Malera Sub-County, said he is currently in hiding due to what he described as growing impunity.
He accused the Bukedea Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Wilberforce Tukei, and his team of attempting to arrest him over his support for independent candidates.
Meanwhile, John Bosco Ikojo, the incumbentBukedea County Member of Parliament, alleged that no legitimate election took place in the district.
He claimed that security forces took over polling stations, arrested his polling agents, and apportioned results instead of tallying actual votes cast.
Ikojo further alleged that the arrest and remand of his campaign manager, Tycus Okwi Ebukalin, on robbery charges was intended to weaken his campaign and facilitate election manipulation.
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