Three Candidates Form Unusual Coalition in Entebbe Mayoral Race
In a strategic move on polling day, three of the five candidates vying for the Entebbe Municipality mayoral seat teamed up to form a coalition aimed at safeguarding the voting process against the incumbent, Fabrice Rulinda of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The alliance includes Richard Sekyondo of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Shafiq Sserwadda of the Democratic Party (DP), and independent candidate Michael Mutebi, who lost the NRM party ticket to Rulinda. The trio was seen moving together to various polling stations, describing their collaboration as a pooling of resources to protect the integrity of the vote.
Sekyondo stated that their primary goal was to prevent irregularities witnessed in past elections. “A lot of fracas was witnessed in Entebbe during the past voting exercises. Therefore, this time, we decided to team up to ensure that only those who are qualified are allowed to vote,” he explained. He also suggested that a fourth candidate, Deogratious Lubwama of the Democratic Front (DF), was part of the coalition, though this could not be independently verified.
When asked if the partnership would extend into a post-election leadership alliance, Mutebi clarified that their focus was solely on election security. “Our main aim is to safeguard the election and the sanctity of the voting process,” he said.
Incumbent Mayor Fabrice Rulinda, photographed casting his ballot, responded calmly to the development. “Every candidate has the right to choose how they engage in the election process, and I respect that fully,” he stated. In a broader reflection, the NRM flagbearer emphasized that his campaign was about service and listening to the people. “I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve… and confident that whatever outcome comes will reflect the will of God and the voice of the people,” Rulinda added.
Voting Proceeds Smoothly Despite Morning Challenges
The election day began with a low voter turnout in the morning, attributed to a heavy downpour. However, numbers gradually increased as the day progressed. Voting at key stations like the Post Office polling station proceeded in an orderly fashion.
The electoral process was reported to be running smoothly by press time, with biometric voter verification machines operational at most stations. Steven Shaka Gashajja, the recently elected NRM Member of Parliament for Entebbe Municipality, expressed confidence in his party’s genuine support. “My NRM party has been winning genuinely,” he said, expressing optimism for further success in remaining elections.
The final tally and official declaration of results for the Entebbe municipality mayoral race will be conducted at the Wakiso district tally centre.
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