‘UPDF Campaigned For Muruli Mukasa’

May 08, 2002

SOLDIERS from Nakasongola Reception Centre campaigned for the state minister for security, Muruli-Mukasa, during the June 2001 parliamentary elections, court has heard.

By Solomon MuyitaSOLDIERS from Nakasongola Reception Centre campaigned for the state minister for security, Muruli-Mukasa, during the June 2001 parliamentary elections, court has heard.McDusman Kabega, the advocate for Peter Nyombi, a High Court advocate and loser of the Nakasongola parliamentary seat yesterday named top military officers who allegedly participated in the campaigns. Appearing on the second day of the final submissions at Kampala High Court, Kabega said military men intimidated voters, voted more than once and committed other electoral malpractices in favour of the minister.Justice Gideon Tinyinondi handling the matter, heard that army officers like Col. Katagara, Maj. Mureeba, Capt. Magara and Lt. Maka, were on the fore front of Muruli’s campaigns. He accused them of messing up the process Kabega said Lt. Maka, who was the political commissar of the Nakasongola Barracks, ordered the junior soldiers and students in the barracks to vote for the minister.“He (Maka) was also seen at different polling stations on the polling day telling voters in the lines to vote for the first respondent (Muruli),” court heard. Soldiers were also accused of involvement in multiple voting, using civilian cards to vote and refusing to dip their figures in the ink. The Electoral Commission is the second respondent.Ends

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