The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has taken action against Bukedea District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Wilberforce Tukei and District Police Commander (DPC) SP Charles Okoto. The arrests came after an intensive investigation into the reported criminal activities that marred the recent LC V Chairperson by-elections in Bukedea District, Uganda.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit revealed that the RDC and DPC were apprehended for their alleged failure to respond effectively to acts of intimidation, assault, and various offenses targeting candidates, polling agents, journalists, and voters. These incidents took place both before, during, and after the elections. As the head of the District Security Committee, the RDC bears the responsibility of overseeing government activities and programs within the district and coordinating with departmental heads. However, it is believed that they did not fulfill their duties adequately, leading to a lack of a smooth electoral process and an escalation of violence.
This investigation and subsequent arrests were set in motion following President Museveni’s directive to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to probe the violent events that unfolded during the Bukedea by-election. The president expressed deep concern over the reported violence, highlighting the particularly distressing case of David Steven Omagor, a candidate who was physically assaulted and publicly humiliated by a group of individuals before the nomination process. During the attack, Omagor’s nomination papers and campaign cash were stolen. Subsequently, Omagor withdrew from the race, and the by-election was ultimately won by Mary Akol from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
President Museveni strongly condemned the violence and urged the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to conduct a thorough investigation. He expressed apprehension that government officials might have played a role in orchestrating the violent incidents, including the raid on Omagor’s home where his academic papers were confiscated, and campaign funds totaling shs163 million were stolen. The president emphasized that these actions constituted not only electoral offenses but also criminal acts.
Moreover, President Museveni pointed out that government officials had infiltrated polling stations on election day and cast votes on behalf of the voters, a situation he likened to scenes from a movie script due to its astonishing nature.
The arrests of the RDC, DPC, and several other individuals signify the government’s resolute commitment to addressing the alleged criminal activities and ensuring accountability for those involved. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit’s actions align with President Museveni’s directive to hold responsible parties accountable and bring justice to those affected by the election violence in Bukedea District.
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