The Mbale City Woman MP-elect, Connie Nakayenze Galiwango has finally filed defense before the Mbale High Court in response to the 123 affidavits earlier submitted by Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, who is challenging her victory citing discrepancies in the electoral process.
Galiwango defeated her competitor, Wanyoto, with a range of over 20,000 votes, after scoring 40,702 votes (53.2%) against Wanyoto’s 25,276 votes (33%) in the January 14th elections.
Other candidates in the race were; Robinah Masibo from the National Unity Platform party (NUP) who garnered 6565 votes, Maimuna Nambuya with 1852 votes, Shadia Luwungule, who had lost in the NRM primaries got 1382 votes and Racheal K Nansubuga trailed with 643 votes.
Wanyoto, on March 2, filed 123 affidavits, which she said contained all the evidence that are enough to nullify Galiwango’s victory and order for vote recount.
She told reporters in a press conference that her victory had been robbed by Galiwango whom she accused of ordering the brutalization of her (Wanyoto’s) polling agents.
“My polling agents from Bugema, Nakaloke, and Bukasakya and Bungokho-Mutoto sub counties were beaten by the supporters of Nakayenze and my declaration forms destroyed. I can’t accept the results and we are going to Courts of Law to challenge this because I believe that I won the race but the Electoral Commission declared a wrong person,” she said.
Speaking to journalists after filing the defense, Galiwango noted that she is ready to face all the 123 witnesses who claim that she rigged the polls.
“I pray God helps me so I can see those people. That day, I want to look into their eyes and see them giving evidence against me, because it is like somebody finding you with your hen and claims that it is theirs,” she said.
“I am happy my lawyers and I read all the 123 affidavits and responded to them and we are now ready to face the Court. I saw some people citing bribery, I am ready to see someone testifying that I or my agent gave them the money,” Galiwango added.
She called upon the people of Mbale City whom she referred to as “my energy” to walk with her as they defend their victory since “it is you the people of Mbale who voted for me and therefore the petition is against you too.”