The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the LC5 Chairperson and district councilors in Mukono District have been marred by confusion, intimidation claims, and low voter turnout, with candidate Awuye Yusuf Suleiman dismissing rumors that he has withdrawn from the race.
On election day, many polling stations across the district recorded little or no activity by late morning, with some centers reporting no presence of agents or voters by 11 a.m.
At Mulago Polling Station near Mukono General Hospital, only the agent of former LC5 chairperson Francis Mukoome Lukooya was present, while his rivals Jimmy Lugoloobi and Yusuf Awuye were conspicuously absent.
By the time voting ended, Lukooya had secured 7 votes, Lugoloobi 6, while Awuye trailed with 5 votes.
At Nasuuti UCC polling station, where 142 voters were expected, only six people turned up, all reportedly supporters of Lukooya.
In Kasangalabi, Lukooya’s dominance was even clearer, taking 22 votes, while his two rivals got none.
Sarah Mukajja, Lukooya’s agent, attributed the low voter turnout to fear of violence, citing last week’s chaotic parliamentary primaries where voters and one candidate were beaten and hospitalized during attempts to protest alleged vote rigging.
Awuye Rejects ‘Boardroom Deals’
Despite the unfolding events, Yusuf Suleiman Awuye maintains he is still in the race and has vowed to fight what he calls dirty tactics aimed at imposing Lukooya as the sole candidate.
“I was duly nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission, and I have been campaigning tirelessly,” Awuye told journalists.
Awuye alleges that on the eve of the primaries, he was summoned by the district NRM chairman Haji Haruna Semakula to the Resident District Commissioner’s office, where he was pressured to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to step down for Lukooya.
He claims that he was offered a position on the District Land Board as part of the deal, but he turned it down, saying it would be a betrayal of his supporters.
“I was told directly, even if you win, you will not be declared. I have recordings and evidence of these threats, and if I am denied victory despite the people’s will, I will petition the party’s Electoral Commission chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and President Museveni,” Awuye asserted.
The Chairman’s Version
In a separate interview, Haji Haruna Semakula, the district NRM chairman, confirmed holding a harmonization meeting with the three candidates, claiming that both Awuye and Lugoloobi had agreed to step aside in favor of Francis Lukooya.
“Our meeting ended very late but with amicable results. Today’s vote is as good as done, and we are waiting for outcomes from other posts,” Semakula said, adding that he would lobby the President to secure appointments for those who stepped down.
However, Awuye has rubbished these claims, insisting that Semakula is attempting to impose Lukooya, a former chairman who was voted out years ago.
“If Lukooya is as strong as they portray him, let him come out boldly and we face off. Why force opponents to step down for him?” Awuye said.
Party Confusion and Declining Popularity
The Mukono NRM primaries have exposed cracks within the ruling party, with multiple candidates and supporters citing irregularities, intimidation, and violence in recent elections.
Umar Sebuyungo, a contender for the Mukono Central Division chairmanship, said the confusion and internal wrangles are damaging the party’s image.
“These internal fights and chaotic elections are scaring away supporters. We need transparency and fairness to restore public trust,” Sebuyungo remarked.
What Lies Ahead?
As voting continues across the district, tension remains high among supporters of different camps.
While Lukooya’s camp appears confident, Awuye’s defiance and his claims of sabotage raise questions about whether the final results will be accepted.
For now, Awuye is rallying his supporters. “I have not withdrawn, … make your voice heard, Awuye Yusuf. Together, we will put Mukono back on top.”
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