By Vicent Emong
Supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kumi Municipality have blamed security operatives for the defeat of several party flag bearers in the recently concluded elections, alleging interference in the electoral process.
The claims emerged following the loss of NRM candidates in key positions, including the parliamentary race for Kumi Municipality.
Supporters of Richard Ochom, the NRM flag bearer and current Kumi Municipality Mayor, say their candidate won the vote based on tallies from various polling stations but was later shocked when the incumbent independent candidate, Silas Aogon, was declared the winner.
According to the supporters, their internal vote computation showed Ochom leading by more than 200 votes before the official results were announced.
Christine Adongo, an NRM supporter in the municipality, claimed that Ochom led in most polling stations and that his supporters had celebrated what they believed was a clear victory before the final declaration.
“We computed the votes and he was ahead. We even moved around town celebrating, only to be surprised the next day when the incumbent was declared the winner,” Adongo said.
Another voter, John Robert Olupot, expressed frustration over the outcome.
“I have pain in my heart. I voted for the President and the flag bearers, but even after knowing that Ochom won, security favored the independent candidate,” he alleged.
John William Opus, also an NRM supporter, accused security teams of aiding vote rigging, claims that authorities have strongly denied.
Supporters staged a peaceful demonstration in town, holding placards with messages such as “No Ochom, No MP in Kumi Municipality” and “We voted for the President 84.1%, we want our flag bearer.”
Ochom himself alleged that security personnel interfered with the electoral process and intimidated his team.
“When you look at the outcomes of the elections, my people gave me a mandate. But the security personnel, who are paid by the government, fought the party flag bearers,” Ochom said.
He further claimed that on election day, an army brigadier allegedly confronted him at gunpoint and confiscated some of his declaration forms while tallying was ongoing.
“Everything changed around midnight,” he alleged.
Ochom also noted that several other NRM candidates, including those for Woman MP, LC5 Chairperson, and division LC3 positions, lost their races, which he described as a deliberate attempt to weaken the ruling party in the district.
He said he is consulting lawyers and may challenge the results in court.
“If advised by our lawyers, we shall go to court because we have evidence of vote rigging,” he stated.
However, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kumi, John Bosco Mubito, dismissed the allegations, insisting that security forces only provided protection and did not interfere with the electoral process.
“I attended the tallying centre together with members of the media. Our only role was to provide security. The returning officer operated freely without any influence from our officers,” Mubito said.
He added that security personnel had been warned against meddling in elections and that anyone found interfering would face arrest.
“Some people who were not prepared for their loss are now apportioning blame to security. It is not the mandate of the district security committee to ensure that NRM flag bearers win. Our role is to provide a safe environment for voters to decide,” he explained.
The controversy has sparked debate in the municipality, with calls for transparency and adherence to electoral laws as political actors weigh their next course of action.
