MUHANGA – Tensions have emerged within the Muhanga Progressive Old Students Association (MPOSA) over the ongoing race for the office of Information and Publicity, following circulating messages urging members to support Turyasingura Obed Kafuka before the completion of the voting process.
Supporters of Ainembabazi Elias have dismissed the messages as misleading, insisting that the contest remains open and that no candidate should be presented as the winner while members are still participating in the election. They have called upon all Old Boys (OBs) and Old Girls (OGs) to stand firm and protect the integrity of the voting process.
A screenshot of a poll shared in the MPOSA WhatsApp group at 9:00 AM showed Elias leading the Information and Publicity contest with 26 votes, while Turyasingura Obed had received seven votes. The figures captured in the screenshot indicate that Elias remains a strong contender, although they do not represent a confirmed final election result.
The controversy follows a campaign message praising Obed for his alleged contribution to the establishment of MPOSA, his six years at Muhanga Progressive School and his current position as a station manager at Stabex Sanga Branch. The message also appealed to former students to trust him with the Information and Publicity office.
However, Elias’s supporters argue that personal endorsements and campaign messages should not be confused with an official election outcome. They maintain that every candidate deserves a fair opportunity and that the decision must ultimately be determined by the votes cast by association members.
Concern has also been raised over what the supporters describe as possible attempts to influence the election and undermine Elias’s support through premature declarations. They have urged the electoral leadership to guard against any irregularities, ensure transparency and prevent the manipulation of votes or election results.
All OBs and OGs have consequently been called upon to remain alert, participate in the voting exercise and reject any communication that prematurely declares a winner. Supporters insist that the association’s leadership should respect the democratic process rather than allow campaign narratives to determine the outcome.
Members have further appealed to the electoral officials to provide clear updates on the voting process, ensure that every eligible vote is counted and announce the results only after the exercise has been officially concluded. They say the credibility of MPOSA depends on the fairness and transparency of its leadership selection.
As the contest continues, Ainembabazi Elias remains in the race, with the available poll screenshot showing him ahead at the time it was captured. MPOSA members are now being urged to defend the integrity of their association, remain united and allow the final votes to determine who takes the Information and Publicity office.
