Queue Crossovers, Disputed Result Rock Nabweru LC1 Election

The election of an LC1 chairperson in Nabweru South III descended into chaos on Tuesday after supporters of two candidates switched queues during the lining-up vote, culminating in a disputed declaration of results and police intervention. The contest pitted National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Denis Lumala against incumbent National Unity Platform (NUP) chairperson Musa Kanakulya and independent candidate Flavia Kazibwe, popularly known as Maama Arsenal.

The exercise began peacefully as residents verified their names on the voters’ register before lining up behind their preferred candidates in accordance with the Electoral Commission’s voting procedure for village elections. Kanakulya initially attracted the longest queue, with Maama Arsenal also drawing considerable support. Lumala’s line was smaller at first but steadily grew as more voters joined.

As Lumala’s numbers increased, tension began to build among supporters of the other candidates. According to Mike Jjingo, a resident who witnessed the exercise, some of Maama Arsenal’s supporters decided to abandon her queue and join Kanakulya’s camp in an apparent bid to block Lumala from winning. They reportedly chanted, “If it is not Maama Arsenal, then let Musa Kanakulya retain the seat,” as they crossed over.

The movement of voters created confusion at the polling station and sparked disagreements over how the outcome should be determined. The situation escalated further when the returning officer declared Lumala the winner before conducting what rival supporters described as a full count of the queues.

The declaration immediately triggered protests from supporters of Kanakulya and Maama Arsenal, who accused election officials of announcing a winner without counting the voters lined up behind each candidate. While Lumala’s supporters celebrated the announcement, rival camps rejected the outcome, insisting the process had not been completed in line with Electoral Commission guidelines.

Police intervened to remove the returning officer from the scene as tempers flared. Officers later used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd and clear the polling area. However, several residents refused to leave, arguing that Electoral Commission procedures require voters to remain at the polling station until the election process is fully concluded.Supporters of both Kanakulya and Maama Arsenal continued to occupy the playground, maintaining that the announced result did not reflect the will of the voters. By the time of filing this report, both camps were claiming victory, leaving residents awaiting guidance from the Electoral Commission on whether the declaration would stand or whether the election outcome would be reviewed.