A senior official of Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been arrested over allegations of electoral malpractice and bribery linked to the party’s recent parliamentary primaries in Kamwenge District.
Emmanuel Rekebyensi, the NRM registrar for the district, is suspected of accepting a bribe to influence the outcome of the primaries in favour of incumbent Woman Member of Parliament, Sylivia Bahereira. While the amount allegedly paid has not been disclosed, sources familiar with the investigation claim it was “substantial enough to affect the results.”
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“He was reportedly paid a significant amount to ensure the declaration of Sylivia Bahereira as the flag bearer,” a source told the BBC, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing inquiry.
The Kamwenge District Police Commander, Mugira Yeko, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details.
“Yes, he is in custody, but investigations are still ongoing and I cannot speak beyond that at the moment,” he said.
Attempts to reach the Greater Rwenzori Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Vincent Twesigye, were unsuccessful. Twesigye, who is currently on leave, acknowledged awareness of the incident and said he would provide an official statement upon receiving full details.
The arrest has sparked widespread debate within Kamwenge’s political scene, with local residents and NRM supporters demanding transparency and accountability.
“This is exactly what discourages credible people from participating in politics. The will of the people must be respected,” said one NRM supporter from Kahunge sub-county, expressing frustration over what he called a betrayal of democratic values.
The NRM Electoral Commission has yet to comment officially on the matter. However, party insiders suggest the leadership is closely monitoring developments and may consider an internal probe if the allegations are verified.
Sylivia Bahereira, who has represented Kamwenge District in Parliament since 2016, has not issued any public statement regarding the controversy. Critics have raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and claims that her campaign benefited from undue influence during the primaries.
The case is the latest in a series of disputes surrounding the NRM’s internal elections this year, which have faced accusations of mismanagement and lack of fairness in several districts. The developments have renewed calls for reforms within the party’s electoral framework.
Should the bribery allegations be substantiated, Rekebyensi could face charges under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, and the legitimacy of the Kamwenge primary results may face further legal and political challenges.
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