Violence reported at Nyakijumba as LC2 elections proceed in Kabale
Violence broke out at Nyakijumba Primary School playground in Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, during the ongoing LC2 elections after some residents complained that their names were missing from the Electoral Commission voters’ register despite being eligible to vote.
The affected voters said they had been placed on the LC1 committee register but were not appearing in the Electoral Commission register used for the election. Electoral Commission officials reportedly directed the area LC1 chairperson to convene the committee and allow the election process to continue.
Despite the disturbance, the election in Katokye Parish proceeded, with retired police officer John Byabagambi defeating incumbent Benjamin Atukunda to become the new LC2 chairperson. Byabagambi polled 86 votes, while Atukunda received 46 votes.
Alex Israel Ahumuza, who works with Nation Media Group (NMG), was elected vice chairperson.
In his acceptance remarks, Byabagambi pledged to work closely with his team, fight bribery and corruption, and support the effective implementation of government programmes for the benefit of residents.
He also said that improving access to water would be one of his priorities, particularly in Nyakabungo, where residents have long faced water challenges.
“I will be available to serve my people at any given time,” Byabagambi said.
In Kigata Parish, Besigye Lous, the LC2 chairperson of Kigata Parish, won the election after defeating Barker Julius. Barker received six votes, while Besigye secured 145 votes.
Meanwhile, Orikiriza Edward Kapere was elected unopposed as LC2 chairperson for Kyanamira Parish.
However, Kabale District Returning Officer Aisha Nansubuga maintained that the elections across the district were largely peaceful.
Nansubuga said that voting was conducted in all the 79 parishes of Kabale District and that no violence was officially reported to the Electoral Commission.
“The elections were generally peaceful across the district,” she said.
The LC2 elections were held as part of the ongoing local council electoral process being conducted across the country.
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