Rakai Polling Agent Arrested for Stealing Ballot Booklet

Police in Rakai have been called to rescue a polling agent from a mob that wanted to lynch him for stealing a ballot booklet. The incident took place at Kakundi Heath Centre Polling Station in Lwamagwa Town Council, paralysing polling for close to an hour. 

The agent, only identified as Deus, was representing Samuel Kaggwa Ssekamwa, an independent candidate in the Rakai Local Council chairperson's race. Ssekamwa is contesting for the same seat with Godfrey Bajjungu (NRM), Eliab Kigundu Sango (NUP), Elisa Nicholas Ssekitende (FDC), and independents Ali Balekye, Kasiiba John, and Robert Nyondo. 

One of the 17 ballot booklets had gone missing mysteriously drawing the concern of the voters and polling agents at the polling station.  Unlike other polling stations in the district, Kakundi had an overwhelming voter turn-up who also demanded a thorough search for the booklet.   

Grace Nalubega, who recently lost the Rakai Woman MP race said that an hour later, different polling agents and assistants caught Deus with fifty ticked ballot papers. His attempt to escape from the mob failed as they rounded him up.  

//Cue in; “Nze kenyini nze…  

Cue out….namutujako namuteeka kumpingu.”//

Nalubega says that she reported the matter to Lwamaggwa Police Station where the ballots which were confiscated from Deus were presented as exhibits. 

//Cue in; “Mu Rakai district okutwaliza… 

Cue out…eri  04/20/01/2021.”//    

Benjamin Ssempuungu, one of the polling assistants, confirmed the incident although he did not divulge further details. 

//Cue in; “Nze kenyini nze ntuusewo…  

Cue out…namutujako namuteeka kumpingu.”// 

Charles Mubiru, the Resident District Police Commander, says he has been informed about the incident and instructed the police to investigate the matter to avoid clashes that may result from the election results.