The National Resistance Movement (NRM) deputy spokesperson has said that the ongoing parliamentary and LCV party primaries have registered a success rate of about 80 percent.
Addressing journalists today in Kampala, Ofwono Opondo contended that although the exercise ‘has faced some glitches’, it is still a success since elections in most districts is running smoothly.
“It’s going to be 70-80 percent successful, we count ourselves successful,” Ofwono Opondo said at the party headquarters on Kyadondo Road.
He added that of the 112 districts in Uganda, only 5 had so far proved problematic, with the challenges mostly logistical problems and violence related issues.
He however warned those planning to cause violence in the elections, saying the party was working alongside police to ensure the exercise is smooth.
“The NRM and police are working together; police has deployed countrywide to suppress any acts of violence in the elections and we believe police will take strong action (against errant members). We believe police can call sister agencies to ensure that law and order is maintained,” Ofwono Opondo, who also doubles as the Media Centre boss, said.
He also confessed that the party had received complaints where candidates’ names were misspelt, while some protested against having the wrong portrait photos attached to their names. Of those affected was Busiki County Member of Parliament Wilson Asuspasa Isiko Mpongo, who refused to vote after his name was misspelt on the ballot paper.
“The NRM EC agreed with the candidates that if their names are misspelt, they can accept and continue the voting or cancel,” Opondo said, adding: “Some candidates became stubborn and refused and the NRM EC agreed that the election dates be deferred to tomorrow.” Further, Ofwono Opondo disclosed that elections in Wakiso district were stopped after the incumbent district Woman Member of Parliament Rose Seninde complained that the ballot paper showed she had an opponent yet she was declared unopposed.
Ofwono Opondo also acknowledged that wrong ballot boxes were delivered to some districts, and that the NRM EC was making arrangements to send the right logistics to the affected areas.
“Some wrong ballot papers were delivered in Katakwi yet they were destined for Amuria; we are making arrangements to transport the ballot papers and the elections will be held tomorrow,” Opondo said.
The NRM spokesperson further said that party supporters in Nyabushozi County of Kiruhuura district and those in Mbale Municipality will not hold elections, following the death of the respective nominated candidates.
Internal party laws call for fresh nominations after one of the candidates dies before elections commence, he said but did not communicate the date on when the primaries in the two areas will be held.
Early this month Mbale Municipality contestant, former State Minister for Trade and Industry James Mutende Shinyabulo passed on after being nominated, while Nyabushozi MP hopeful Micheal Nyamunguri Kanarura died in a road accident last week.
Meanwhile, elections in Ssembabule, Buyende, Kanungu, Ntungamo and Mbarara, among several other areas, have been stopped following outbreak of violence.
Other areas that have witnessed skirmishes include Kamuli, Makerere Zone 3 in Kawempe and Iganga.
In a related development, the Woman MP aspirant for Lwengo Sarah Nkonge and Bukoto Midwest MP Isaac Ssejjoba were allegedly found breaching the electoral law.
