Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit Authorizes Arrest of Police Officers in Bukedea LC5 By-Election Investigation
The head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit has given authorization for the arrest of five police officers to facilitate investigations into the irregularities that marred the Bukedea LC5 by-election. The voting process took place on June 14. This development comes in response to a letter from President Museveni dated June 26, which directed Brig Gen Henry Isoke, the head of the unit, to investigate and bring to justice individuals allegedly involved in the irregularities that hindered a smooth electoral process.
According to a reliable source familiar with the arrests, Brig Isoke held a meeting with Bukedea RDC Wilberforce Tukei before issuing the order for the arrests. Among the detained individuals is Mr. Alex Enguloit, the head of crime intelligence. Mr. Oscar Ageca, the police spokesperson for East Kyoga, confirmed that five officers are currently in police custody and will be presented in court. However, Mr. Ageca declined to disclose the identities of the officers. He stated, “As we mentioned earlier, those responsible for the crimes during the by-election will be held accountable.”
Ms. Miriam Natasha, the spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Unit, stated that the detained individuals are currently providing statements. She added, “A comprehensive and definitive update will be available on Wednesday (today). We kindly request your patience, as the unit is diligently collecting all possible statements. The public will be informed accordingly.” However, another source informed this publication that among those arrested are local politicians who are supporters of two high-ranking government officials.
As of press time, the identities of these politicians could not be verified. In his letter calling for the ongoing investigation, the President expressed his concern over negative reports arising from the by-election, in which the NRM candidate emerged victorious with 91 percent of the votes.
The candidates in the by-election were Ms. Mary Akol, who was declared the winner with 79,692 votes, followed by independent candidate Lokwiisk T. Ebukalin, who received 4,941 votes. The Forum for Democratic Change’s Oita Sam Odeke came in a distant third with 2,343 votes.
President Museveni stated that he received information that on the night of the nomination, some government officials unlawfully entered the residence of Mr. David Steven Omagor, a potential candidate, and confiscated his academic documents. It was also reported that they stole UGX 163 million from him to prevent his nomination. Although the Electoral Commission extended the nomination period following the incident, Mr. Omagor was subsequently attacked at the gate of the Electoral Commission offices while heading for the nomination exercise.
“This situation seems like a scene from a movie. However, I want to ensure that Uganda does not regress to the crimes of 1980, reminiscent of the Mwanga elections that led us to take up arms. Therefore, I urge you to investigate these claims and take action against any criminal activities, and report back,” the President remarked. He emphasized that such actions constitute both electoral offenses and criminal acts, and directed the relevant authorities to deal with the culprits.
