Tension continues to rise across Ibanda Municipality following the declaration of Peter Agaba as the winner of the parliamentary election, a result that has left a significant section of the electorate questioning the credibility of the outcome and exposing deep divisions within the local structures of the National Resistance Movement.
According to the official results announced by the Electoral Commission, Agaba secured 14,279 votes (52.19%), defeating independent candidate Innocent Mwine Bakamuhara, who garnered 12,904 votes (47.16%) in what was declared a closely contested race.
However, despite the narrow margin of victory, the aftermath of the election has been marked by anger, mistrust, and uncertainty among voters who insist that the figures announced do not reflect the will expressed at polling stations across the municipality.
A Municipality in Disbelief
Across Ibanda town and surrounding areas, residents are still debating the results weeks after the declaration.
Many voters claim that the outcome contradicted what they witnessed on polling day, particularly in Bufunda Division, Kagongo Division, and Bisheshe, where Bakamuhara reportedly performed strongly according to results announced at several polling stations.
Supporters say that in many stations the difference between the candidates was small and in some cases favored Bakamuhara, raising questions about how the final tally gave Agaba the edge.
The greatest controversy surrounds Kashangura Ward, where many Bakamuhara supporters claim a large number of his votes were allegedly altered in favour of Agaba during the final declaration process.
“Most of our votes were stolen from Kashangura,” said one aggrieved voter who spoke on condition of anonymity. “What we saw at the polling station is not what was later announced.”
These claims, though yet to be independently verified, have spread widely across the municipality and are fueling frustration among voters.
Allegations Against Local Political Actors
The tension has also been intensified by claims involving Jovrine Kaliisa, a senior NRM figure in the district.
Residents allege that during the campaign period Kaliisa had assured some supporters that even if Bakamuhara won the vote, he would never be declared the winner.
While Kaliisa has not publicly responded to the accusations, the claims have circulated widely and have become a central talking point in Ibanda’s political discussions since the results were announced.
Local analysts say such statements, whether accurately reported or misunderstood, have significantly worsened tensions and exposed a lack of unity among NRM supporters in the municipality.
Claims of Altered Declaration Forms
Among the allegations now being raised by Bakamuhara’s supporters is that DR forms — official declaration forms used to record results at polling stations — were allegedly used to alter the final outcome.
Supporters argue that results recorded at polling stations were different from those eventually announced, and that the lack of transparency during the final tallying stage has left many voters with lingering doubts.
“There was no open tallying process where everyone could see what was happening,” said a youth leader from Bufunda Division. “We expected a transparent tally center but instead we just heard results being announced the next morning.”
Night of Chaos Before Voting
Further fueling the controversy are claims by Bakamuhara that his campaign team faced intimidation on the night before voting.
According to the independent candidate, police officers and unidentified individuals attacked him and members of his team at St. George’s Church Ibanda, where they had gathered with agents, technical staff, and campaign managers ahead of polling day.
Bakamuhara says they were beaten and later taken to Ibanda Central Police Station, where they were held for several hours.
He claims that they were only released at around 4 a.m. after intervention from the Resident District Commissioner, by which time the critical preparations for voting were already underway.
Because of the detention, Bakamuhara’s team says they were unable to witness the receipt and dispatch of voting materials to polling stations, an important stage in ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
Security Presence on Voting Day
Several residents also say that security forces maintained tight control over the electoral process throughout the day.
According to witnesses, security personnel were heavily deployed around polling stations and later took control of activities surrounding the tallying process.
Supporters of the independent candidate say that instead of the usual open tallying process, there was no visible counting exercise at the official tally centre, with results eventually being announced the following morning at around 8 a.m.
This sequence of events has fueled speculation that the final figures may have been altered overnight.
Anger Spilling Into the Community
The bitterness following the election has begun to affect everyday social interactions in Ibanda.
In one widely discussed incident, a family reportedly rejected a condolence contribution of 50,000 shillings sent by Kaliisa, choosing to return the money as a sign of protest.
For many observers, the incident highlights the depth of anger among residents who believe the election did not reflect the people’s will.
“The rejection of that money shows how frustrated people are,” said a local elder. “This election has created wounds that will take time to heal.”
Bakamuhara Weighs Legal Action
Meanwhile, Bakamuhara says he is consulting his legal team to determine whether to challenge the election results in court.
He says his supporters are increasingly restless and urging him to pursue all available legal options to reclaim what they believe was their victory.
“I am discussing with my legal team to see how we can handle this situation,” he said in remarks to supporters. “My supporters are restless and want us to reclaim our vote.”
Election petitions are a common avenue for resolving disputes over results, though the process can be lengthy and politically sensitive.
Uncertain Political Future
The dispute has also raised questions about how Agaba and other NRM leaders will rebuild trust with residents who feel the outcome was unjust.
With anger simmering in several parts of the municipality and accusations continuing to circulate, analysts warn that Ibanda Municipality may remain politically tense for some time.
For now, the community remains divided between those who accept the official results and those who believe the election was manipulated.
What is clear, however, is that the events surrounding the vote have left deep political scars, raising difficult questions about unity, trust, and the future of leadership in Ibanda Municipality.
