Nandala applauds police for peaceful Sironko polls

Feb 19, 2016

Nandala said the directive for people not to carry mobile phones to polling stations had legal backing.

Budadiri West incumbent Member of Parliament Nathan Nandala Mafabi has commended the Police and other security agencies deployed in Sironko district for conducting themselves in a professional manner during Thursday's Presidential and Parliamentary elections.  

"The conduct of security personnel throughout the exercise made the election situation calm compared to the 2011 general elections in Sironko where some gunshots were fired leading to injuries to some residents," Nandala recalled.  

"In an isolated incident I was informed that the Police had impounded one of my vehicles but when I intervened and explained to them, the car was releasedNandala said.  

Commenting on the directive by Electoral Commission chairman, Dr. Badru Kiggundu for people not to carry mobile phones to polling stations, Nandala said the directive had legal backing.  

He, however, appreciated the voting time of 7am to 4pwhich allows ample time for counting votes and delivering them to the tally centre.  

Speaking to New VisionSironko district registrar Kenneth Kayabwe said apart from a few hiccups the exercise kicked well in most polling stations throughout the hilly district.  

Budadiri East independent candidate David Woniala said he was impressed by the voter turn out and the peaceful manner in which voters conducted themselves but hastened to add that there were allegations of voter bribery he could not confirm.  

Elgon Region Police commander James Ruhweza said unlike the 2011 elections where violence and election malpractices were reported this time round the Police had by end of the voting exercise not registered any serious incident.  

Most the shops in Sironko Town Council remained closed throughout Thursday as most people had travelled to their respective voting areas while others who vote from within the town kept a low profile.

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