Luweero NRM leaders raise concerns over alleged vote buying in local elections

What the report says

NRM leaders in Luweero District are asking for investigations into alleged vote buying, voter manipulation and disputed outcomes in the recent LC1 and LC2 local council elections, according to Nile Post. The concerns center on claims that money may have been used to influence some contests and that the irregularities could put the wrong people into leadership positions.

The article says the NRM won most of the available village and parish chairperson seats in the district, but party leaders still believe some races were affected by complaints that have not yet been resolved. They argue that improper influence in local elections could later be used to advance land-grabbing interests and harm vulnerable residents. This concern was raised publicly by NRM figures in Luweero, including Rashidah Birungi, who urged authorities to examine the allegations and give aggrieved candidates and voters a fair hearing.

One disputed case involves Kitebere Village in Makulubita Sub-county, where candidates and supporters reportedly disagreed over the official result. The district Electoral Commission says it is reviewing the complaint. The report also cites allegations in another Makulubita contest that some voters were allegedly controlled or moved around before voting, and that people without national identification cards were allowed to cast ballots.

Nile Post also reported a separate LC2 race in Wobulenzi West Ward that stretched over two days before the contenders agreed to share leadership positions. The disputes highlight ongoing tensions over the credibility of grassroots elections, which are often important for local governance and control of community resources.