By Emmanuel Olinga
KATAKWI
The losers of the National Resistance Movement NRM candidates in Katakwi district have spoken out, claiming that the elections were marred by anomalies such as voter manipulation and bribery.
A section of LCIII chairpersons denounced the elections as not free and fair, citing voter bribery, intimidation, and voter manipulation perpetrated by district top leaders who supported people in their camps.
Stephen Odeke, LCIII candidate for Katakwi town council, raised red flags, alleging that some politicians promoted voting bribery and rigging by exchanging money to benefit others in their camps.
Stephen Imamut, the LCIII candidate for Akoboi subcounty, claims that polling agents were bribed to allow DR forms to be altered.
Daniel Otim, an LCIII candidate for Katakwi town council who lost to Sadoki Akutu, said that party registrars were used to change and alternate votes in favor of individuals with money.
Another candidate, Simon Peter Okedi, LCIII candidate for Okore Sub County, stated that he lost after the results were turned in favor of Ikabat Charles. The results declared for Okore Sub County indicate that Ikabat received 2, 225 votes, or 61.2 percent, Simon Okedi received 1,362 votes, or 37.4 percent, and Ben Malinga received 50 votes, or 1.4 percent. In Katakwi Sub County, Hendry Moses Omaje wrote an objection letter to the returning officer for the NRM party primaries.
For Katakwi district, James Otilem objected to the declaration of the LCIII flag bearer election winner due to anomalies in the conclusion of the votes.
While Elvis Ojula, the LCIII candidate for Katakwi subcounty, requested a voter recount and disputed the winner’s declaration, the results were eventually proclaimed in favor of Hendry Moses Omaje, who received 3,048 votes against Elvis Ojula’s 3,022 votes
