By Spy Uganda
Kamwenge District has been thrust into political turmoil following the arrest of Emmanuel Rekebyensi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar, over allegations of bribery and electoral malpractice during the recently concluded party parliamentary primaries.
Rekebyensi is accused of receiving a substantial bribe to manipulate election results in favor of the incumbent District Woman Member of Parliament, Sylivia Bahereira, thereby securing her declaration as the official NRM flag bearer for the 2026 general elections.
“He was reportedly paid a significant amount to ensure the declaration of Sylivia Bahereira as the flag bearer,” a source close to the matter revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation.
While the exact figure remains undisclosed, investigators have described the alleged bribe as “large enough to influence the outcome.”
Kamwenge District Police Commander, Mugira Yeko, confirmed Rekebyensi’s arrest, stating:
“Yes, he is in custody, but investigations are still ongoing, and I cannot speak beyond that at the moment.”
The arrest has sparked outrage among NRM supporters and the wider public, with calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the party’s internal electoral processes.
“This is not just corruption—it’s outright sabotage of democracy,” a frustrated resident posted in a local WhatsApp group, echoing sentiments shared widely across social media and public forums.
The scandal threatens to deepen public mistrust in the NRM’s internal elections, especially in the wake of similar complaints of bribery and vote tampering in districts like Kapchorwa, Kasese, and Kamuli.
The incident also puts increased pressure on the NRM Electoral Commission and party leadership to restore credibility and discipline within its ranks as the country heads toward the 2026 general polls.
Kamwenge’s political landscape has grown increasingly volatile in recent years, with sharp internal divisions emerging around key elective positions. MP Sylivia Bahereira has come under growing criticism from within the party for allegedly sidelining grassroots structures and using patronage to dominate local mobilization efforts.
In the run-up to the primaries, several contenders voiced concerns about irregularities in the voter register, biased polling procedures, and the pervasive influence of money in determining outcomes—fears now seemingly validated by the registrar’s arrest.
Observers note that the detention of a key electoral officer confirms longstanding suspicions of entrenched manipulation in the NRM’s primary elections, particularly in western Uganda, where political loyalty is often entrenched and fiercely contested.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong had earlier warned that any party official found guilty of tampering with results would face legal consequences. However, critics argue that enforcement of such warnings has been inconsistent and sluggish.
This unfolding scandal exposes serious cracks in the NRM’s internal democratic processes. As investigations into Rekebyensi’s conduct continue, the nation—and the party base—now watch closely to see whether accountability and transparency will prevail in Kamwenge.
