The Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Mr Badru Kiggundu, has threatened to suspend Mukono Municipality elections over violence. File photo
Mukono. The Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Mr Badru Kiggundu, has threatened to suspend Mukono Municipality elections over violence.
The decision comes after supporters of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze stormed a meeting convened by Mr Kiggundu at EC offices in Mukono District on Tuesday.
The meeting had been organised to settle disputes among the parliamentary candidates for Mukono South and Mukono Municipality mainly between Ms Nambooze and her rival NRM candidate Fatuma Ndisaba.
The supporters stormed the meeting chanting pro-Nambooze songs and blowing speakers telling Mr Kigguddu to announce her because she is the right leader.
Police led by the district police commander, Mr Alfred Ahimbisibwe, intervened to block the supporters, but they were overwhelmed until more police reinforcements arrived.
“We have the power to close elections if we see that the municipality is becoming irresponsible,” Mr Kiggundu told the meeting.
The EC chairperson also warned the Independent candidates in Mukono South against illegal use of NRM symbols and party colours.
“Stop using symbols that were not given to you and stop abusing competitors because my hand can sign you in and sign you out,” Mr Kiggundu said.
The district returning officer, Ms Sarah Kalyowa, said there had been many complaints about fights between rival candidates’ supporters, defacing of posters and other malpractices.
Ms Kalyowa said although she had invited the candidates for the discussions, none turned up.
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