These elections seek to replace the late Feffeka Serubogo, a NUP politician, who died after taking office in July.

Although the bye-election has attracted six candidates for the position of LC5 Chairperson, all eyes are the two candidates being canvassed for by Robert Kyagulanyi AKA Bobi Wine (NUP) and President Yoweri Museveni (NRM).

These elections seek to replace the late Feffeka Serubogo, a NUP politician, who died after taking office in July.

The tragedy of his sudden death seems to be a bad omen for this election as violence and the threat of violence abound.

Armored Personnel Carriers, anti-riot police and hordes of restive citizens are on edge under shifting clouds of teargas.

As President Museveni campaigns for Mr. Muwonge in Kayonza and Busaana sub counties, Special Forces Command (SFC), the president’s protection detail, are restricting movements and heightening a precarious situation made worse by the fact that Bobi Wine is not allowed into the district.

He has been confined to his Magere home, in Wakiso district, railing over Twitter about the injustices President Museveni is meting out to ordinary citizens in order to ensure the election is a foregone conclusion in his favor.

Although Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga has said Bobi Wine is free to travel to Kayunga, the police will not allow rallies to contravene COVID-19 regulations.

“Nobody has blocked Bobi Wine from campaigning for his candidate in Kayunga, but the Electoral Commission issued guidelines banning processions and upholding the protocols of COVID-19,” said Mr. Enanga.

Although Bobi Wine is absent, the district is chock-full with senior opposition politicians notably Hon. Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality), Hon. Medard Lubega Ssegona (Busiro East) among others are there to ensure Bobi Wine’s absence is not felt.

As the clock winds down, the tension rises and threatens to hit a crescendo after the final vote tally is released when polling ends at 4:00 pm.