KABALE -Tension is running high in Kabale District ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) District Chairmanship elections, following remarks by Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati, indicating plans to deploy heavy security at the polling venue.
Speaking during a political talk show on Voice of Kigezi Radio on Wednesday evening, Hon. Bahati, who also serves as the incumbent NRM District Chairperson, said that access to Kabale Main Stadium where the elections are set to take place would be restricted to individuals whose names appear on a pre-approved list. He stressed that security personnel would be on hand to enforce the directive.
“We have created lists of people who will access the stadium, and those not on the list will not be allowed in,” Bahati stated, sparking widespread reaction from political observers and his opponent.
Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga, who is challenging Bahati for the chairmanship, swiftly dismissed the remarks as both baseless and illegal.
During a follow-up program aired later on the same radio station, Baryayanga emphasized that there was no legal framework restricting public access to election proceedings.
“There is no law that stops people from spectating the election process tomorrow,” Baryayanga asserted.
“This process will be peaceful, and it is only Minister Bahati who is planning to bring confusion through intimidation with security and so-called lists.”
The contest between Bahati and Baryayanga has sharply divided NRM supporters in Kabale, with each side accusing the other of underhanded tactics.
As the election day approaches, calls have been growing from civil society and party officials for calm, transparency, and fairness during the voting process.
Security officials are yet to issue an official statement regarding the purported deployment of forces at the venue.
The elections are scheduled for Thursday and are expected to draw widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the contest.
ENDS
