Three candidates team up against incumbent for Entebbe mayoral race

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The Entebbe Municipality mayoral race has seen three of the five candidates team up against the incumbent, Fabrice Rulinda of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

On polling day, the trio opted to move together in what they termed as pooling resources to safeguard their votes.

They are Richard Sekyondo of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Shafiq Sserwadda of the Democratic Party (DP) and Michael Mutebi, an independent candidate who lost the NRM ticket to Rulinda.

Voting process at Katabi Busambaga in Entebbe municipality. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

Whereas Sekyondo (NUP) said even the fourth candidate, Deogratious Lubwama of the Democratic Front (DF), was part of their polling day coalition, New Vision could not independently verify this since Lubwama was not sighted in their company nor was he reachable for comment.

"A lot of fracas was witnessed in Entebbe during the past voting exercises. Therefore, this time, we decided to team up to ensure that only those who are qualified are allowed to vote," said Sekyondo.

Asked whether they are forming a leadership alliance, Mutebi said their main aim is to safeguard the election and the sanctity of the voting process. 

When reached for comment, Rulinda said every candidate has the right to choose how they engage in the election process "and I respect that fully".

From a distance, DP candidate Shafiq Sserwadda (left) was sighted with NRM leaning independent Micheal Mutebi while monitoring several polling stations during the voting exercise in Entebbe municipality. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

"I have seen the reports, and I receive them with a calm heart. For me, this election has never been about stopping anyone or being stopped. It has been about listening to the people of Entebbe, walking with them, and offering my service with sincerity and humility," said the NRM flagbearer.

"I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve, grateful for every conversation with our people, and confident that whatever outcome comes will reflect the will of God and the voice of the people. I wish my fellow contestants well, and I pray for a peaceful, respectful, and dignified process for us all."

Initially, there was a marked low turnout early morning, with a downpour blamed for the low numbers. But in the course of the day, the number of voters kept increasing gradually.

Voters queuing to cast their votes at Post Office polling station in Entebbe municipality. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

The biometric voter verification machines at most of the polling stations were operational, and the entire voting process in Entebbe municipality was moving on smoothly by press time.

Steven Shaka Gashaija, the Member of Parliament-elect for Entebbe Municipality, said his NRM party has been winning genuinely.

He expressed optimism that even other party members will continue to "sweep" respective positions in the remaining elections.

The final tally and declaration of results from Entebbe municipality will be done at the Wakiso district tally centre.