The Police have confirmed that John Ninzeyimana Kamara, the Bufumbira North County Member of Parliament is wanted on accusations of ballot tampering during the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election on Thursday.

The incident reportedly occurred at Busanani Polling Station in Busanza Sub County.

According to witnesses, Kamara arrived at the polling station around 11:00 am accompanied by his security detail. He allegedly disrupted the voting process by chasing away voters and seizing two ballot books. 

Kamara proceeded to mark several ballots in favor of Rose Kabagyeni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, before folding and stuffing them into the ballot box.

Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, an independent candidate in the race, expressed disappointment over the incident.

She claimed that Kamara went as far as confiscating the mobile phones of voters and polling agents to prevent them from recording his actions. Ngabirano said she immediately notified authorities for assistance.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident and stated that security forces managed to recover the ballot books from Kamara. However, he fled the scene and is now being sought by the police to aid in the ongoing investigations.

The by-election features six candidates; Independent Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, Rose Kabagyeni (NRM), Juliet Musanase (FDC), Aisha Chimpaye (PPP), Sultana Salim Tana (NUP), and Mable Ingabire (UPC).

The Kisoro District Woman MP seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, who was also the State Minister for Defense, on September 7, 2024.

By Our Reporter

14 Nov 2024

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