By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NAMUTUMBA
The Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, Dr. Tanga Odoi, has hit back at State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Princess Persis Namuganza, after her renewed defeat in the Bukono County primaries.
Speaking after announcing results of the fresh elections ordered by the NRM appeals tribunal, Odoi accused her of destroying election materials in an earlier round of the disputed polls.
Dr. Tanga who was accused of bias and overturning results in favor of key aspirants at different constituencies had the last laugh.
The fresh election results confirmed Emmanuel Maganda Katoko as the party’s flag bearer with 20,512 votes against Namuganza’s 17,764.
“Namutumba results have been declared by me that a person called Maganda Emmanuel Katoko won with 20,517 votes, second runner up was Persis Namuganza with 17,764, the third was Banje Paul Baite 1593, followed by Gusongoirye with 1546 and Mpanga Andrew with 541 votes” said Dr. Tanga.
The contests, held in 76 villages across Kibale Town Council and Kibale Sub- County, ended the minister’s hope of overturning her rival’s earlier win.
In earlier proceedings before the NRM electoral tribunal, Namuganza had alleged widespread violence, tallying irregularities, and manipulation by senior party officials, including Dr. Tanga Odoi.
She insisted her votes from Kibale Town Council and Kibale Sub- County were deliberately sidelined.
Following the declaration, we await to see if Minister Namuganza will heed to the party call and stand behind Maganda who won the party flag.
