Florence Adupo, a former aspirant for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag in the Kapelebyong District Woman Member of Parliament race, has formally petitioned the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal in Kampala to nullify the declaration of Atutu Jacinta as the party flagbearer.
Adupo, through her campaign communication team, held a press conference on Thursday at Garden Nest Lounge where she confirmed filing the petition on July 21. According to Mouris Opolot, the head of Adupo’s communication and campaign team, the petition cites widespread irregularities during the party’s internal electoral process.
Opolot alleged that on the day of the primaries, motorcycles were seen distributing alcohol to voters in several polling stations as a way to influence them to vote for Atutu Jacinta. He added that this practice was in clear violation of the party’s code of conduct.
He further accused the returning officer of orchestrating a scheme to manipulate the tallying process. “There was a delay in announcing the results, and the returning officer misled our team, claiming he was tired and would release the results the following day,” said Opolot. “But shortly after we left the tally center, the results were declared in favor of Atutu Jacinta.”
The Adupo team also alleged instances of multiple voting, double counting, and digital manipulation of results within the tally center. According to their claims, devices such as Bluetooth and USB cards were used to interfere with the results in favor of Jacinta.
NRM returning officer for Kapelebyong District, Eyomu Emmanuel, officially announced the results of the hotly contested primary election, declaring Atutu Jacinta the winner with 17,301 votes. Florence Adupo came second with 8,415 votes, followed by Ajupo Joyce Harriet with 6,339 votes, Alaete Ruth Ocean with 459 votes, and Asio Regina with 564 votes.
Florence Adupo has rejected the results, alleging they were manipulated and do not reflect the will of the people. She expressed her hope that the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal would carry out a thorough and impartial investigation and issue a fair ruling.
“I am waiting for the tribunal’s report. I believe they will analyze the evidence and come up with a free and fair decision,” Adupo said. She added that should the tribunal fail to address her grievances justly, she is ready to contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming general elections.
Adupo called on her supporters to remain calm and patient as they await the outcome of the tribunal’s deliberations.
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