Chaos at EC offices as police battles Lukwago’s supporters

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  Police were this afternoon engaged in running battles with supporters of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who had accompanied him to the Electoral Commission offices for nominations. Lukwago is seeking a third term in the Lord Mayors’ office. 

Lukwago arrived at at the nomination centre at 1 p.m, amidst tight security. But the situation turned rowdy after police blocked the road with metallic barricades to stop the huge numbers of people he had come with. Many had been at the nomination centre earlier, to wait for his arrival. 

The crowds became ecstatic every time Lukwago rose through the rooftop of his car to wave at them, and the police also stepped up to stop them from crossing beyond a certain roadblock. In the process, several were apprehended and thrown onto waiting for patrol vehicles.

Lukwago finally reached the nomination desk, he was proposed by Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa and seconded Nakawa MP Micheal Kabaziguruka. His nomination was thereafter confirmed by the Returning Officer Fred.

Lukwago condemned how the police handled his supporters. He later ‘clarified’ that he is not seeking a third term in office like the media presents it, because one of his past two terms was sabotaged by the impeachment process he went through.

Meanwhile, Lukwago has appealed to the Electoral Commission chairman Justice Simon Byabakama to clarify on the mode of campaigns to be used by nominated candidates saying that the recently released revised roadmap is not clear on that matter.

The FDC acting party President Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo congratulated Lukwago upon reaching this step in his bid for retaking the city’s top seat, but also assured him that the party will do everything possible to achieve victory in this race.

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