A section of National Resistance Movement-NRM candidates that contested
in the general elections are complaining of continued acts of discrimination against
them.
The candidates argue that ever since the elections were concluded some
of them have not yet fully recovered from the political tensions and pain.
Abubaker Batte, who lost the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division councillor seat
representing Katwadde parish, says that they are still facing a hostile
environment in the community, rising from the malicious political
propaganda that was spread during campaigns.
He narrates that some sections of the public are still hostile against
the NRM candidates, some of whom are suffering discrimination based on their
divergent political opinions.
According to Batte, besides the harsh campaign massages used by
their opposition counterparts, some of them are paying the prices for the
excesses of state’s security agencies that have lately been accused of
abducting and torturing opposition supporters.
//Cue in: (Luganda) “ffe nga
abawagira…..
Cue out; ….mu Masaka waffe.”//
Batte also indicates that such violations that started way back
during campaigns have been carried forward, arguing that there is a likelihood
of them persisting because the NRM lost the majority of elective positions in
the area to the opposition candidates.
//Cue in: “embeera
tekoma…..
Cue out; …..kuba bawagira
NRM.”//
Christine Nakyejwe, the NRM flag bearer who lost the race for Masaka City
Woman Member of Parliament says many of their colleagues have silently suffered
violations committed against them.
She reveals that to date, there are still members of the public
who are still pestering them for money that was given to them as campaign facilitation.
She explains that the suffering of the NRM candidates and supporters has been
overshadowed by the reports of arrests, torture, and abduction committed
against the opposition members.
//Cue in: “our rights…..
Cue out; ….was physical.”//
Muhammad Nsubuga, the greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson
says they are yet to receive such reports. He says that the politicians should come
out and register their complaints with the police rather than suffering in
silence.
He says their teams are currently on high alert to ensure
that all people enjoy their rights without unkind disruptions by unauthorized
persons and situations.
