Police in Kayunga District confirmed arrest of 61 suspects including 4 MPs as voting closes in a heated by-election for Kayunga LC5 chairperson.
The suspects, according to police, were arrested for campaigning beyond the deadline, disobedience of orders and for violating the curfew provisions.
Voting exercise, police say, ended successfully at 4pm and the general security situation in the district has been calm as well as the safety of all participants.
According to the Sezibwa regional police spokesperson, ASP Helen Butoto, the arrests follow credible intelligence about groups “that were being mobilized to cause violence and disrupt the voting process.”
The 3 MPs include; Hon. Aloysius Mukasa, MP Rubaga South, Hon. Lukyamuzi David Kalwanga, MP Busujju-Mityana, Hon. Tebandeke Charles, MP Baale and Hon Serukenya David, MP Sabagabo-Makindye were arrested last night on allegations of voter bribery.
“So far, 61 suspects have been arrested for various electoral offenses majority of whom were mobilized and ferried to Kayunga, from Makindye, Kawempe, Rubaga, Nabweeru and Wakiso.” ASP Butoto said in a security status update.
Campaigns for candidates in the byelection for Kayunga District chairperson started off on relatively a peaceful note until the last day when security clashed with opposition NUP supporters using teargas. NUP candidate Harriet Nakwedde and several others claim they were assaulted by security agents.
Earlier today, the Electoral Commission also announced suspension of voting on several polling stations flowing allegations of ballot stuffing and voter bribery.
In the update issued on Thursday, Butoto said the suspects are being processed for further court action. Butoto however did not specify where the suspects are detained or when the charges they are likely to face.
She however assured residents in Kayunga, that their safety is guaranteed and tactical response teams are effectively deployed to deter and counter any acts of criminality and lawlessness in the district.