By Aaron Okotel
BUTEBO
The Electoral Commission has officially declared Keddi Samuel of the National Resistance Movement NRM as the winner of the Butebo LC5 elections, defeating the incumbent Okurut James (independent candidate) in the rescheduled election.
According to the official declaration, Keddi polled 18,866 votes, edging Okurut who garnered 15,672 votes while Kibuge Isaac another independent candidate came third with153 votes as FDC candidate Lobba Yasin only managed 70 votes out of a total of 35,197 ballot papers counted.
The results were announced by the District Returning Officer, Alupo Beatrice, at 2AM Wednesday morning.
“In accordance with section 147 of the Local Government Act, CAP 138, I declare Kedi Samuel, who has obtained the largest number of votes, as the elected leader for Butebo electoral district,” Alupo announced.
The LC5 elections, held nationwide on January 22, were deferred in Butebo following reports of violence, voter intimidation, and widespread fraud.
Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Electoral Commissioner Stephen Tashobya commended the residents and candidates for their exemplary conduct.
Tashobya labeled the exercise as “one of the most peaceful elections” he has supervised, noting a complete lack of confrontation between candidates and officials.
The election saw the successful deployment of Voter Biometric Verification Machines. While there were initial threats that some groups might attempt to disrupt the technology, Tashobya confirmed that not a single incident of disruption occurred.
“Candidates can at times be the source of issues, but today you have conducted yourselves very well,” Tashobya said. “We also commend the government for committing resources to buy this equipment that facilitates the cardinal principle of voting in security.”
