By Patriot Corps
Tensions remain high at the ongoing 12th Democratic Party (DP) National Delegates’ Conference in Mbarara City, following a controversy over the abrupt relocation of ballot boxes from the tally center to a nearby hotel. The conference, which began on Thursday, was being held under a temporary tent at Asamar Hotel when presiding officer Mr. Kennedy Mutenyo announced the tally center would be shifted to the hotel due to an expired contract with the tent service provider.
The sudden move sparked immediate outrage among delegates, who accused Mutenyo and other officials of attempting to manipulate the election process to benefit certain party leaders, including incumbent President General Mr. Norbert Mao. Delegate Samson Irenga from Masaka urged the party to settle the tent payments to ensure a transparent electoral process. However, Mutenyo claimed he had no authority over service provider payments.
As tempers flared, security personnel, including plain-clothed guards known as “Kanyamas,” intervened and forcefully removed the ballot boxes, leading to physical scuffles that damaged some boxes. Police cordoned off the hotel where the boxes were taken, citing the need to maintain order and prevent disruptions.
Despite this, several delegates and candidates remain skeptical about the motives behind the ballot transfer. DP Women’s League presidential candidate Ms. Annet Nakyanja alleged that the chaos was a smokescreen to rig the elections, saying, “They have tried all tricks—cutting power and causing confusion—but we were vigilant.”
Other delegates, including Mr. Kingstone Tambula from Iganga Municipality, criticized the secrecy surrounding the ballot transfer. “You can’t remove ballot boxes from public view and hide them in a hotel. Even the candidates aren’t allowed access. It’s just Mao’s group and security,” he said.
Daniel Kita Mivule from Nansana Municipality accused the current leadership of attempting to manipulate results after sensing defeat. “They knew they had lost, so they took the boxes. Their earlier tactic to disqualify Mr. Richard Sebamala didn’t work, and now they’re running scared,” he added.
The conference, initially scheduled to conclude on Sunday, has dragged into Monday without conclusive decisions on new leadership. Top party officials, including former Secretary General Gerald Siranda and Organizing Secretary Herbert Rutagwera, were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts to reach them. The situation remains tense, with the party’s democratic principles and transparency being questioned.