Voters in Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, have appealed to the Ministry of Local Government and Parliament to review the procedures governing LC1 elections and introduce the use of ballot boxes to protect voters from possible conflicts arising after elections.
The appeal was made on 28th July 2026 during the LC1 elections held in Mbunda Cell, Nyakaina Parish, Buyanja Sub County, where residents expressed concern that while open-air voting promotes transparency, it may expose voters to disagreements and hostility, especially after results are announced.
Five candidates contested for the Mbunda Cell LC1 chairperson seat. Abdula Ndyanabo, commonly known as Duuka Mukono of the PFF, emerged the winner with 217 votes. The incumbent, Mzee Benon Beyongyera, received 128 votes, while Justus Twongyeirwe of the NRM polled 10 votes. Independent candidates Nicholas Nuwasasira and Justus Byamugisha did not receive any votes.
Residents, including Nyakaina Parish Woman Councilor Prima Mubangizi and secondary school teacher Mackson Atwijukire, acknowledged the transparency of the open-air voting system but raised concerns about the possibility of strained relationships between winners and losers after the elections.
Other voters expressed confidence in the newly elected chairperson, saying they expect him to address challenges affecting the community, including theft, domestic violence, unemployment, and poor roads.
The youth also challenged the new leadership to prioritize job creation, particularly for educated young people struggling to find employment.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected LC1 Chairperson for Mbunda Cell, Abdula Ndyanabo, thanked voters for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to work with residents to implement priorities agreed upon during community meetings. He emphasized that leadership belongs to the people and called for unity in developing the area.
The outgoing chairperson, Mzee Benon Beyongyera, who lost the election, attributed his defeat to what he described as participation by people who were not eligible voters.