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By Aggrey Twesigye
In Isingiro—-
www.mknewslink.com
Hundreds of residents from Kitooha cell in Bireere sub county in Isingiro district staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, accusing their LC 1 chairperson, Generous Tumuhimbise of colluding with the returning officer to block them from participating in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots elections.
The residents claim they were unfairly disqualified from voting, with officials alleging that they were not registered NRM members but supporters of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The protestors marched to the Bireere sub-county offices demanding answers.
Moses Natukunda, a candidate in the race and main challenger to incumbent chairperson Generous Tumuhimbise, said the demonstration was a last resort after authorities denied them the right to exercise their constitutional mandate.
Hillary Bajungu, the LC3 chairperson for Bireere sub-county, said the incumbent has been reportedly using her connections to the State House to intimidate locals.
Residents who spoke to our reporter alleged that Tumuhimbise has been misusing her village stamp and employing UPDF escorts to threaten community members.
In response to growing concerns, the NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi announced on Wednesday during a press briefing in Mbarara city that reruns would be held on Wednesday in all areas that missed the original elections, including Kitooha cell.
By press time, a crisis meeting had been held at Kitooha polling station, chaired by the district RDC, Adah Nasiima to determine a way forward.
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