DPC, RDC and Diso of Bukedea District Charged in Court over LC V  By-election Violence

Following rigorous investigations into reported criminal activities surrounding the recent LC V Chairperson by-elections in Bukedea District, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) arrested key officials involved. On 10th July, 2023, Mr. Wilberforce Tukei, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bukedea, and SP Charles Okoto, the District Police Commander (DPC), were apprehended for their failure to address rampant acts of intimidation, assault on a candidate, polling agents, journalists, and voters. These incidents took place both before, during, and after the elections.

As the Head of the District Security Committee, the RDC holds the crucial responsibility of overseeing government activities and programs in the district. Additionally, the RDC coordinates with various governmental departments, ensuring their harmonious functioning and addressing any emergent situations. During election periods, the RDC is tasked with facilitating a smooth transition and coordination of activities.

Today, the DPC and RDC were arraigned and charged at the Bukedea Magistrate's Court on counts of negligence, specifically in failing to prevent criminal acts that marred the nomination and voting process during the LCV by-elections in Bukedea.

Further investigations also revealed the involvement of the Bukedea GISO, Mr. Oluka Muhammud, who has been charged with mobilizing assailants. Together with Councillor Malinga Dan, who was previously charged, they led an attack on aspirant Mr. Omagor Stephen. The incident resulted in the robbery of Mr. Omagor's nomination documents and a sum of UGX 9 million. Notably, this attack occurred under the presence of police personnel deployed by the DPC, yet no action was taken to apprehend the assailants or investigate the incident.

They all have been remanded till the 26th July, 2023.