What Lango politicians say during LACSON-EC meeting

Lira | On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, a team from the electoral commission, led by chairperson Justice Byabakama Simon Mugenyi, attended a civic engagement organised by the Lango Civil Society Network (LACSON).

The event was attended by various stakeholders from Lango sub-region among them active politicians, those whose votes were insufficient in the previous election, and concerned citizens to increase level of participation in electoral processes.

Speaking to a packed Margarita Palace Hotel conference hall, the chairperson emphasised the importance of engagement in fostering a better understanding of citizens’ perspectives on the roles and performance of their elected leaders.

Despite the numerous benefits of citizen participation, there are several obstacles that limit the effectiveness of a legitimate election.

Byabakama expressed disappointment with the 2021 general election results, stating that Lira City performed poorly in the February 14, 2021 presidential election.

Only 54,354 registered voters (48.6%) out of 111,772 voted in Lira City.

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He highlighted the districts’ performance. In Oyam district, 184,088 people registered, but only 102,874 voted (55.9%). There were 111,772 registered voters in the Dokolo district for the 2021 election, but only 68,827 (59.4%) turned out to vote.

In Lira district, 103,180 people registered, but only 63,486 (61.5%) showed up.

Apac had 88,834 registered voters, but on election day, 55,430 (62.4%) voted. Kwania district had 87,587 registered voters, but only 56,002 (63.9%) voted.

Otuke had 48,541 registered voters, but only 34.019 (70.1%) showed up.

“I want to reassure the public that there will be a free and fair general election in 2026,” Byabakama stated during the meeting.

According to him, more than 18 million Ugandans were registered to vote in 2021. “During election season, all district government vehicles are allowed to participate in the exercise.”

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Flowrance Oniga Adupa, who ran for Lira District Woman Member of Parliament in 2021, informed the EC chairman. “I want to say that your presence here today should give us hope, especially those of us who want to run in 2026, because the 2021 election process was fraught with difficulties.”

According to her, the problem in the Lira district began with nominations. “There was a candidate with whom I stood. She was a civil savant (RDC), but she was nominated without being required to submit a resignation letter, and when the process was completed, the issue was raised, but she was protected on all sides.

“Aside from security, they (RDCs) must not disrupt their work by engaging in politics.

“I am so disappointed to see the loser in Parliament while the winner remains out. All of this is happening because the justice system in this country is not very helpful, especially when it comes to addressing electoral petitions,” Ongia stated.

Joy Atim Ongom, who ran for Lira City’s woman MP seat, stated that the most pressing issue is how the electoral commission consistently delivers materials to polling stations.

Ongom stated that other polling stations receive voting materials at midday or 2 p.m., which is extremely inconvenient.

Atim noted that some candidates used a lot of money to bribe voters in 2021. “And it is now so challenging to hear that if you want to contest as an MP, you must have from shs500m and above.

Jole Okao Tema, who ran for MP in Lira City West, said Lira City performed poorly in the 2021 election because some polling station materials arrived between 3 and 12 p.m.

Okao cited Anai, where materials arrived at 3 p.m.

At his polling station, Ober Primary School, he stated that voting began at 12 p.m.

“This is so funny for the electoral commission to behave like this. This gives opportunity to our competing candidates to buy voters to go and vote for them, moving from door to door while the government vehicles have been signed to do all this work.”

DK Odongo, LC5 chairperson of Alebtong district and chairperson of all the LC5 chairpersons in Lango, stated, “I want to thank the electoral commission team very much for this kind of engagement.”