Voting underway in Bugiri byelection

By Vision Reporter

Voting is underway in Bugiri district in a byelection for the district chairman. Security is tight as voters go to polls in a five-candidate contest.

Bugiri LC5 seat fell vacant after the district chairperson, Marijani Azalwa, was found guilty of assaulting his political opponent, David Mulengeni, during the campaigns of 2011.

Five people are vying for the seat. They are: Siraje Samanya Lyavala who is the flag bearer for National Resistance Movement (NRM), Luba Bumali of the  opposition  Forum  for Democratic  Change,  and independents Muhammad Walangalira, Simon Funa and Abdul  Nakendo. But analysts said the leading contenders for the seat are Lyavala and Bumali.

Police and plain clothed security personnel could be seen patrolling the streets of Bugiri town council and its surrounding areas on Wednesday.  

The Bugiri Resident District Commissioner, Margret Mwanamoiza, said the deployment was meant to avert any violence that is likely to erupt during the elections.

The District Police Commander Bugiri, Edirisa Kyeyune,  cautioned  the people  against violence.

However,  the leader of opposition in Parliament, Wafula Oguttu who is also the MP for Bukooli central said the heavy deployment of security personnel was likely to scare away voters.

The returning officer Bugiri, Eric Gimei said "We expect people to move to the different polling centers and cast their ballot and wait until 5:00pm for the counting exercise."