Stakeholders in the Busoga sub-region have highlighted both the achievements and failures of the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the elections.
FDC flag bearer in Bugweri District LC5 race, Ibrahim Ndoga, credited the EC for successfully using local residents to issue voter location slips.
“I appreciate the EC for conducting the final phase of voter verification using natives from different villages,” Ndoga said. “Those issued with voter location slips were known in their communities, which will help prevent complaints about imported voters.”
Ndoga added that the returning officer has remained in constant contact with all candidates, addressing and harmonizing challenges. He noted that the confirmation of two biometric machines at each polling station has given candidates hope that electoral malpractices will be minimized.
“The machines operate without the internet, which is an advantage for voters in remote areas with limited connectivity,” Ndoga said. He also praised the EC for scanning Declaration forms before entering results at the tally centre.
However, Ndoga criticized the EC for inconsistencies, citing a case where a candidate from Mukono was allowed to contest in Bugweri District. NUP flag bearer Julius Kayiira Nabambula faulted the EC for allowing police to disrupt rallies, recalling the arrest of his supporters during a campaign event.
“I hold the EC responsible for this unfortunate arrest of my supporters, as they could have instructed police to stop the activity,” Nabambula said. He praised the EC for managing voter update registers in his constituency.
Jinja City Mayor Peter Okocha Kasolo said candidates have tried to dictate the EC’s work, leading to problems.
“Candidates have tried to make the EC follow rules and regulations that do not exist on paper, even though they know the EC is mandated by the constitution to manage elections,” Kasolo said.
NRM flagbearer Farida Namulondo warned that last-minute recruitment of staff for biometric machines could affect the elections.
“These people are only now being recruited, yet they need proper training. I don’t think they will acquire sufficient skills to operate the machines,” Namulondo said.
Busoga region election supervisor Deo Natukunda refuted Namulondo’s claims, emphasizing that voter education has been successful.
“One of the EC’s strengths in Busoga is high voter education, but the problem is that residents don’t take it seriously,” Natukunda said.
Natukunda boasted of successful campaigns in Busoga, noting that only one candidate was disqualified. He said new polling stations have been created to reduce voter numbers, allowing for efficient voting on Election Day.