Kapchorwa, July 20, 2025 — A wave of tension has swept across Kapchorwa District after the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission officially called off the party primaries held last week, citing a series of alarming irregularities and electoral malpractice.
In a press briefing from Kampala, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi described the events in Kapchorwa as “a complete breakdown of democratic order,” stating that the commission could not, in good conscience, declare results from a process “hijacked by corruption and fraud.”
The cancelled elections, which were to determine party flag bearers for Tingey County MP and Kapchorwa District Woman MP, have been under public scrutiny following widespread claims of vote tampering.
Reports indicate that some polling stations reported turnout figures exceeding the number of registered voters, while others were allegedly fabricated altogether.
In one particularly shocking revelation, results from a non-existent administrative unit labeled “Tingei Subcounty” appeared in submitted tally sheets, prompting immediate alarm from observers and rival candidates.
The situation escalated further when the district’s NRM registrar, Kamonges Akram, was apprehended while allegedly attempting to flee with party declaration forms, a stamp, and over UGX 60 million in unexplained cash. Sources close to the investigation suspect the money was intended to influence the outcome of the vote.
Kamonges is currently in custody and facing internal party inquiries, with further legal action reportedly under consideration.
Following the nullification announcement, protestors took to the streets of Kapchorwa town over the weekend, demanding both a transparent rerun and accountability from those who “compromised the integrity of the vote.”“We came out to vote peacefully, but what we witnessed was organized fraud,” said one protester.
“We will not allow imposters to be forced on us through bribes and fake votes.”Dr. Odoi confirmed that the party will organize fresh elections in Kapchorwa but warned that those implicated in the malpractice will not be allowed to participate unless cleared.
He emphasized the commission’s renewed commitment to upholding discipline and credibility within party structures.
“We must restore faith in our internal processes,” he said. “What happened in Kapchorwa is not just embarrassing—it’s dangerous for the future of participatory politics.”
