Mukone Men 'Grow Breasts' To Vote in Women Council Elections

What the report says

Nile Post reported that police arrested several men in Mukono District during women-only Local Council elections after they were accused of trying to join or disrupt the voting process. The most unusual incident was reported at Kiwanga-Lwanda Cell in Goma Division, where two unidentified men were allegedly found wearing women’s attire, including gomesi, hijabs, wigs and glasses, before election officials became suspicious. They were detained and handed to police, while two others said to be linked to the attempt reportedly escaped.

The publisher said the vote was generally calm in some places, including St Paul Catholic Parish polling station in Mukono Central Division, where women lined up as officials verified names. However, Wantoni Police later arrested three more men accused of interfering with the exercise. Election officials alleged some had tried to take part in the women’s poll, including the husband of candidate Lady Florence Nabuguzi. Two youths, identified only as Didiz and Gideon, were also reportedly removed after allegedly campaigning for an NRM candidate and causing disturbances.

Nile Post also reported disputes over the conduct of the elections. In Nama 2 Village, independent candidate Florence Namyalo withdrew, alleging irregularities in the register and saying voters from Buyuki Village had appeared on the local list. Officials later declared Betty Nasaze unopposed, according to the report.

Several winners were named, including Florence Nakyeyune in Kiwanga-Lwanda, Sherina Nansubuga in Kavule Cell and Suzan Mayanja in Kitega Village. Mukono Central Division Electoral Officer Robert Sekirya described the polls as largely peaceful despite the incidents. Police had not released the suspects’ names by publication time, and investigations were said to be continuing.