Ex-minister Mbayo trounced in NRM parish elections

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Former Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbayo has been defeated in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party parish elections.

Mbayo, who is the Luuka district Woman MP, was trounced by Annet Nabirye, who has already expressed interest in her seat.

The election was held on Thursday (May 15) in Irongo parish, Irongo sub-county, Luuka.

Out of 45 votes, Nabirye garnered 27 against her closest competitor Mbayo's 17.

The internal election comes at a time when the NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi, is facing severe criticism from some voters and a section of area leaders for allegedly mishandling the internal elections at parish level.

Chaos first erupted in Irongo sub-county when Tanga, who initially nullified the voting exercise in Iganga B village last week, conducted a fresh election for the NRM Women’s League in Waibuga sub-county, located approximately 25 to 30 kilometres away from Irongo.

Observers say this decision left voters in Iganga B stranded, as no travel arrangements were made.

The local council leaders, who reportedly played a crucial role in identifying residents, were also allegedly blocked from the voting venue.