EC boss faces angry Tororo residents

May 20, 2017

The residents turned rowdy and booed Byabakama as he addressed them

Angry residents of Tororo County on Friday squared off with the chairman of Electoral Commission Simon Byabakama Mugenyi.

Byabakama was addressing the residents during a consultative meeting held at Mukuju County headquarters in which he sought their views over their decision to boycott the LC5 chairperson by-elections.

Accompanied by the commissioners Peter Emorut, Prof. George Piwang, Aisha Lubega, Steven Tashobya and Paul Mugabi the commission's deputy spokesperson, the angry residents turned rowdy and booed Byabakama as he addressed them.  

Byabakama said the purpose of the meeting was in response to the petition the residents addressed to President Yoweri Museveni in which they resolved not to receive any electoral materials from political parties and the EC.

They had also resolved not to participate in NRM or political party meetings and campaigns. They refused campaigns in the county and that they will only participate in future elections when they are granted autonomy.

"As the EC we don't have powers to grant districts except for Parliament. We are here only to do our duty according to the law. But I believe the powers to be have listened and noted your concerns. And I know, one of these days, Tororo may also get a district. But I would like to appeal to you to be law abiding people as you wait for what you are demanding for" Byabakama said.

Residents lost patience when Byabakama said no one has powers to infringe on other people's rights by denying them to campaign in the county and that Tororo's problem can be addressed through dialogue which forced residents to storm out of the meeting. 

The meeting ended prematurely as security officials shielded the EC team and escorted them to their cars.

Tororo County North MP Annet Nyaketcho said they will continue with their struggle until when they achieve what they fighting for adding that government should not ignore them.

Tororo County South MP Fredrick Angura said marginalization has reached its peak saying the district once divided, will bring back some peace in the area.

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