Buliisa, Uganda:
The Buliisa District NRM Chairperson and incumbent Member of Parliament for Buliisa Constituency, Hon. Alan Atugonza, has dismissed allegations of voter bribery and vote manipulation that emerged following the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Hon. Atugonza, who retained his parliamentary seat after garnering 15,478 votes, against his main rival Robert Mugume Soferi with 10,058 votes, refuted claims that his victory was influenced by bribery or irregularities, particularly allegations linked to polling stations gazetted within military installations. Speaking during an interview with our reporter on Tuesday evening, the MP described the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
He stated that he is fully prepared to face any legal challenge from his competitors, stressing that he possesses sufficient evidence to defend his victory in a court of law.
Cue in: Atugonza on court – Luganda.
The incumbent legislator also extended his gratitude to the people of Buliisa Constituency for the overwhelming support and confidence they demonstrated by re-electing him.
Cue in: Atugonza on appreciation – Luganda.
Looking ahead, Hon. Atugonza pledged to prioritize improved service delivery across the constituency. He highlighted key focus areas including health services, education, fishing, access to clean water, agriculture, and wealth creation initiatives, noting that these sectors are critical to the socio-economic transformation of Buliisa District.
However, his remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction from opponent candidates who contested in the parliamentary race. Mr. Robert Mugume, commonly known as Soferi, and Hon. Harriet Kusemererwa, popularly referred to as Kachabuke, have both vowed to challenge the election results in courts of law.
The two opposition figures have accused the declared MPs-elect of being representatives of “Wantembu” rather than the genuine choice of the people of Buliisa.
The anticipated legal battles are expected to test the credibility of the electoral process in Buliisa Constituency as stakeholders await the courts’ determination.
Efforts to get a comment from Robert Mugume Soferi were futile as his official known telephone number was unreached by press time.
