Brenda Asinde, a candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has been elected Woman Member of Parliament for Iganga district.
Brenda Asinde polled 43,197 votes to beat her closest challenger Mariam Nantale, from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party who polled 24,077, in a by-election held on Thursday. The other contenders Babirye Asha balloted 7,052, Kwagala Oliver 1,212 while Aziza Kakerewe polled 689.
Brenda Asinde was declared victor by Iganga district returning officer Mercy Ataho. Election Observers, however, noted that the period before and during elections was characterized by incidences of intimidation and violence that resulted in injuries.
Crispy Kaheru, the coordinator of Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy, (CCEDU) says the events could have affected the outcome of the ballot.
“These could have resulted into the low voter turnout, some of the locals claimed they could not go to vote for fear of being injured. There was a general fear that security could have overtly routed for the establishment,” Kaheru says.
He says the security manning the elections should endeavor to act impartial and safeguard the lives of voters and not participate in chaos and conflicts.
The Iganga parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Grace Kaudha in July this year. Kaudha succumbed to Preeclampsia, a pregnancy related complication that leads to a sudden rise in blood pressure and swelling of the body.
– URN
