Martin Ojara Mapenduzi captured the National Resistance Movement parliamentary nomination for Bardege-Layibi Division on Thursday evening. The incumbent legislator secured 4,102 votes against singer-turned-politician Bosmic Joyce Otim, who received 1,900 votes. David Nyeko announced results at 8:30 PM under heavy security presence. The contested race featured allegations of electoral misconduct and opposition interference. Mapenduzi accused rivals of bringing opposition figures to campaign against him during the primary process.
Violence erupted when police fired teargas at Otim supporters who staged demonstrations before the announcement. Otim, a former opposition mobilizer who joined the ruling party in April 2022, did not appear at the tally center. Her agents cited irregularities in the voting process. Mapenduzi recently joined the NRM after serving as an independent member of parliament for five years. Party officials urged unity among members following the divisive primary elections across the region.
Violence erupted when police fired teargas at Otim supporters who staged demonstrations before the announcement. Otim, a former opposition mobilizer who joined the ruling party in April 2022, did not appear at the tally center. Her agents cited irregularities in the voting process. Mapenduzi recently joined the NRM after serving as an independent member of parliament for five years. Party officials urged unity among members following the divisive primary elections across the region.
