By Joseph Kizza

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Paul Mwiru on Thursday took the Jinja East seat in a by-election that was rocked by violence on the day of voting.

Mwiru beat his closest challenger, National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Nathan Igeme Nabeta by close to 2,000 votes. Nabeta is the former area MP.

In the race which had five candidates eyeing the previously vacant seat following a court petition, Mwiru bagged 7,715 votes and Nabeta 6,057 votes.

Democratic Party’s Alex Mufumbiro managed 291 votes, Independent candidate Cranmer Dhikusooka had 28 votes and Uganda People’s Congress’ Osinde Onzu tailed with 16 votes.

On Thursday, heavy security forces were deployed at Walukuba/Masese division where supporters of the two major camps clashed.

Twelve culprits were arrested on the characteristically violent-marred eve of the election.

Electoral Commission boss Eng. Badru Kiggundu called for reconciliation among the warring parties if development in the area is to be achieved.

The genesis

The seat fell vacant following a Court ruling that nullified the election of former state minister for trade Nabeta. The Court of appeal in December last year upheld a High Court ruling that nullified the election of Nabeta ordered for fresh elections.

The ruling was a unanimous decision of three Justices led by Constance Byamugisha.

The Justices concurred with the petitioner that Nabeta’s academic qualifications were not properly equated by the National Council for Higher Education in consultation with Uganda National Examinations as required by the law.

Court also confirmed that Nabeta bribed voters with wielding and compressor machines, which he distributed during campaign time.

(Additional reporting by Vision Reporters)