Bushenyi CAO Testifies In Nduhuura Case

By Jossy Muhangi and Grace Matsiko THE Bushenyi Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Johnson Bitarabeho, was the first witness to testify in the election petition against the state minister for industries, Dr. Richard Nduhuura, who is accused of having voted twice besides other malpractices. Spencer Turwomwe petitioned court to nullify the election results for Igara East constituency. The CAO and returning officer for Igara East said the minister could have voted twice according to the returns brought by the polling officials and the registers, where Nduhuura’s names were found ticked. Justice Musoke Kibuuka yesterday ordered the reopening of the two ballot boxes for Kitwe and Tank Hill parish where the minister is said to have voted twice. Court discovered that Nduhuura’s names appeared on both registers with ticks against them. Turwomwe’s lawyer said the CAO was a first-class liar and a careless officer whom he said usually abdicates his duties. The CAO said he did not personally scrutinise the contents of registers, but admitted that his polling officials were not well trained to handle the exercise. He also admitted that 10 out of the 76 ballot boxes had no seals but attributed it to poor transportation. Ends