Minister Probes Alleged Irregularities in Kasangati LC I Elections

The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balam Barugahare, met stakeholders in Kasangati Town Council, to investigate complaints of alleged irregularities surrounding the recent LC I elections.
The meeting followed a directive by President Yoweri Museveni for the Minister to investigate complaints arising from the elections in Kasangati Town Council, which comprises nine wards and 50 villages.
During the meeting, residents and other stakeholders raised several concerns, including the alleged ferrying of non-voters to polling areas, failure by some electoral officials to properly count votes cast for certain candidates, voter bribery and intimidation.
Stakeholders also alleged that some candidates who were not duly elected were declared LC I chairpersons.
The Minister expressed particular concern over reports that some villages reportedly did not conduct elections, yet LC I chairpersons were subsequently declared elected.
Hon. Barugahare condemned the alleged violence and electoral malpractice reported in Kasangati Town Council and surrounding areas, noting that such actions undermine democracy and tarnish Uganda’s image.
He assured complainants that the findings of the investigation would be compiled and presented to President Museveni for scrutiny and further action. He noted that where serious irregularities are established, fresh elections could be ordered, while individuals found responsible for electoral offences could face appropriate action.
The Minister also urged residents to reject divisive politics and discrimination and instead work together to support government development programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE).
He called on communities to remain united, peaceful and focused on development.
The meeting was attended by Wakiso District Chief Administrative Officer Jude Mark Bukenya, Resident District Commissioner Justine Mbabazi, the Kasangati Town Clerk and other local leaders.