The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has suspended youth leadership elections in Tororo District after a dispute over voter identification sparked violence, prompting police intervention.
The chaos broke out during the polls for the District Youth Chairperson position, contested by Michael Oketcho and Ongiro Omaset. The disagreement centred on whether voters should present their National Identity Cards before entering the polling station.
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Tororo District NRM Registrar Joseph Kadokech said he had decided to read out the names of voters before granting them entry. However, tensions flared when youth leaders from Greater Tororo County blocked some supporters from accessing the venue, insisting on the presentation of original identity cards.
“Elections were scheduled between 10:00 and 14:00, but some voters and candidates arrived minutes before 15:00,” Mr Kadokech told reporters. “We extended time on humanitarian grounds, but the situation turned rowdy. Police advised us to suspend the process.”
The vote has now been rescheduled for Saturday at 08:00.
Accusations of voter fraud
Candidate Ongiro Omaset alleged that some individuals had attempted to cast ballots on behalf of others. “We uncovered a scheme to allow ineligible voters to participate,” he said. “We demand the use of the yellow voter register and National Identity Cards to protect the integrity of the process.”
Some voters also criticised the handling of the exercise. Silver Ekwero from Merikit Town Council said presiding officials appeared biased and failed to enforce agreed procedures. He further claimed that the choice of venue, surrounded by rental houses, made participants feel unsafe.
However, Oketcho rejected calls for mandatory ID checks, saying all registered youths should have been allowed to vote. He alleged that his opponent’s nomination had not followed proper guidelines and accused organisers of trying to disenfranchise his supporters.
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