The Kasubi Parish LC-II elections in Lubaga North, Kampala District, have been aborted following protests by residents who demanded that some of the candidates step down over what they described as a poor leadership track record.

The elections were disrupted after disagreements erupted between two candidates, Peter Tamale, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Ronald Zzibu Ssebunya, an independent candidate perceived to be leaning towards the NRM.

The two candidates accused each other of bribing voters, allegations that sparked confrontations among their supporters and ultimately disrupted the voting exercise.

Nalwadda Annet, the Woman Councillor for Kasubi Zone, condemned the conduct of some leaders, accusing them of treating themselves as untouchable within their jurisdictions and abusing their positions of leadership.

Nalwadda appealed to the Electoral Commission to organise fresh elections for Kasubi Parish LC-II under tight security to prevent further disruptions and enable residents to peacefully elect leaders of their choice.

Across the country, voters have been participating in the election of local government leaders at parish level.

The elections are being conducted through an Electoral College system, in which only members of the LC-I councils elected on July 28 participate in the parish-level elections.

The LC-II chairperson is elected by the Electoral College and subsequently announces a six-member executive committee comprising the Vice Chairperson; General Secretary, who also serves as Secretary for Children’s Affairs; Secretary for Information, Education and Mobilization; Secretary for Production and Environmental Protection; Secretary for Security; and Secretary for Finance.

By Charles Katabalwa