By Frank Kamuntu
Following intensive investigations into reported criminal activities in the recent LC V Chairperson by- elections in Bukedea District, State House Anti Corruption Unit has arrested the RDC Bukedea, Mr. Wilberforce Tukei and the DPC , SP Charles Okoto, for failing to act on, among others, rampant acts of intimidation and assault of some candidates, polling agents, journalists and voters.
The State House Unit says these incidents occurred before, during and after elections.
”As Head of the District Security Committee, the RDC plays oversight role of Govt activities/programs in the District. He also, coordinates all other Government departmental Heads and engages on any emergency that has come up,” says State House Unit.
It adds that during the election time, RDC was supposed to coordinate and ensure smooth transition which did not happen in this case.
So far, 8 people have been arrested including police officers; SP Charles Okoto, D/ASP Ehguloiti Alex, PC Akankwasa Onesmus, PC Oriokot Simon Peter, PC Kamakoin Difas PC Born Naibei and Councillor Malinga Dan.
Ealier this month HE.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered State House Anti Corruption Unit to investigate the chaos that engulfed the Bukedea LC5 by-election revealing that Government officials on the night of the nomination, invaded the house of Mr.Stephen Omagor, confiscated his academic papers and stole Ugx163 million from him so that he could not be nominated the following morning.
He says on the election day, Government officials invaded the polling stations and voted on behalf of the voters.
”This sounds like a film. However, I want to be sure that Uganda does not go back to the crime of 1980, with Muwanga elections that forced us to go to the bush. Therefore, investigate these claims and if any criminality was committed, take action and report back. Such actions are not only electoral offences,” said Museveni then.
This election was won by NRM’s Mary Akol after Omagor finally withdrew from the race as a result of deadly violence that was caused by some government officials.
The seat became vacant following the passing of district chairperson Moses Olemukan in December of last year.
