Tension in Ibanda North as Voters go to Polls

Tension is mounting high in Ibanda North, as voters turn up at the polling station this morning.

Many Voters are wearing sad faces, following the gruesome murder of one of their own. The mood is somber and some polling stations are tense filled.

The tense atmosphere was triggered off by the death of Moses Ainebyona, a campaign agent for Xavier Kyoma, a contender for the Ibanda North Parliamentary seat.

Captain Gumma Gumisiriza, the IBanda North parliamentary candidate has been arrested for alleged murder.

Gumiriza standing as an independent candidate is jointly accused with four others- Musasizi Esaho chairperson LC3 Ishomgororo town council, Mwesigye Kabaka, Byakatunda Alex, Apollo Perez.

Patrick Otika, the regional police commander, says Guma Gumisiriza and his accomplices are allegedly responsible for the murder of Moses Ainebyoona, who has been a campaign agent for Gumisiriza’s rival, Xavier Kyoma.

The murder incident occurred in Ishongororo trading center on Thursday, when Guma’s supporters blocked the vehicle of the deceased, and beat him up to death.

Sheik Amudan Kayongo, who was traveling with Ainebyona, was also beaten into comma.

Preliminary reports show that a double cabin pick up, registration number UAE
616N and Toyota registration number UAJ 829R were used to pursue Ainebyona with intent of harm.

Ainebyona has been the Chief campaigner of the NRM parliamentary flag bearer for Ibanda north Kyooma Xavier Akampurira who defeated Guma Gumisiriza in the NRM primaries.

Gumisiriza was last evening transferred from Ishongororo police station in Ibanda to Mbarara central police station.

Richard Ecega, the district police commander, says security in Ibanda North has been stepped up to control a possible outbreak of violence.
Yesterday evening, angry voters raided the Gumisiriza’s home and destroyed widow glasses. They were however restrained from causing further damage by the anti riot police.