A storm is brewing in Masaka city after several veterans accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar of bias and election manipulation during the party’s veterans’ league elections.
Umar Ssebulime, the NRM Registrar for Masaka district, is under fire for allegedly preventing a fair and democratic election of veterans’ leaders.
The veterans claim that instead of allowing a free vote, Ssebulime declared candidates unopposed, sidelining potential contenders.
The elections, held on Tuesday at division level in Masaka city, are now facing disputes.
A group of veterans led by Retired Private David Kafeero has petitioned both the NRM Electoral Commission and the Office of the Masaka Resident City Commissioner, arguing that no real voting took place.
“We were shocked to find that candidates had already been hand-picked. There was no nomination, no election, and even our names were missing from the register,” said Kafeero.
The group claims that the voters’ register was secretly altered, with eligible veterans removed and unknown individuals added in their place.
They also accuse the registrar of conniving with selected candidates to fill leadership positions behind closed doors.
Retired Major Gonzaga Wasswa added his voice to the complaints, questioning the background of some of the so-called elected leaders.
He said some people presented as veterans have no traceable military service, raising suspicion about their eligibility.
“This was not an election. It was a backroom appointment disguised as a vote,” Wasswa argued, demanding an investigation into the registrar’s conduct.
In response, Hajj Umar Ssebulime denied the allegations, saying that those complaining are simply disappointed hopefuls who didn’t qualify.
He also stated that Local Defence Unit (LDU) members are not allowed to participate in the veterans’ league—implying some complaints may have come from ineligible individuals.
Amid the growing tension, Ahmed Washaki, the Masaka Resident City Commissioner, has promised to convene a meeting to investigate the matter and find a solution.
Meanwhile, Retired Major George William Kinone, the NRM Electoral Commissioner for Buganda, called for calm, assuring the veterans that a neutral committee has been established to handle election disputes.
“We are committed to resolving these complaints fairly. The veterans should remain peaceful while we review the process,” Kinone said.
As the dust settles, many veterans in Masaka await action from party leaders, hoping their voices will be heard and democratic principles upheld.
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