By KT Reporter
With the general elections slated for January 15th, voters in Moroto district are expressing their readiness to participate but are strongly emphasizing the critical need for peace and the avoidance of violence that marred the recent NRM primaries.
The community is urging that the instability and business disruption caused by past electoral irregularities, including corruption, bribery, violence, and intimidation, must not be repeated.
Samson Longom, a youth from Nakapelimen ward in the South Division, appealed to his peers to shun electoral violence and actively promote peace.
Longom underscored that elections are temporary and should not create lasting animosity. He encouraged youth to turn out in large numbers to elect leaders committed to delivering better services, cautioning voters to reject leaders swayed by money, lies, or corruption, and instead seize the opportunity to choose quality leadership.
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Sophia Nali, a resident of Singila village, echoed the call for peace, highlighting the significant irregularities witnessed during the NRM primaries.
Nali noted the pervasive violence and corruption during that exercise, insisting that such practices have no place in the general elections.
She also warned security forces against disrupting voters’ rights, citing their alleged involvement in the primary election violence.
Another Singila resident, Oliver Ilukol, stressed that all registered voters should participate peacefully.
Ilukol expressed eagerness to vote for her chosen candidate, but reiterated that peace must prevail above all.
She also called for a corruption-free environment, enabling citizens to vote freely and without fear or favor, making choices from their hearts.
Jordan Dronoria, another voter, remains optimistic about a free and fair election, crediting measures put in place by the Electoral Commission.
Dronoria acknowledged anticipated tensions but believes the situation will normalize post-election. He urged the people of Karamoja to prioritize peace, reminding them that politics are transient, but their bonds as brothers and sisters endure.
Ismail Mohamed, the incumbent Mayor of Moroto Municipality and an NRM flag bearer, expressed confidence in the NRM’s dominance and its candidates’ chances of winning, citing the party’s visible transformative impact on the region.
Mohamed, however, urged fellow contestants not to view the polls as a “do or die” affair, emphasizing that leadership is about service delivery, not personal gain or employment.
Isaac Lokol, the LC3 chairperson of South Division in Moroto Municipality, who was unopposed for his position, noted a cooling of political tensions, which had previously escalated into clashes and violence within the municipality and district.
Lokol observed that the political pressure has somewhat subsided during the campaigns and expects this calm to continue through Election Day.
Benon Kwikiriza, the Moroto Resident District Commissioner, announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to ensure smooth election logistics, particularly concerning transport.
Kwikiriza highlighted past challenges with low voter turnout and aims to encourage maximum participation in these general elections, urging people to vote for their preferred candidates rather than allowing others to decide for them.
He also addressed the common issue of invalid votes, encouraging voters to follow Electoral Commission guidelines for proper ballot marking this time.
Esther Immaculate Ajwang, the Moroto District Election Administrator, confirmed the receipt of polling materials and readiness for the January 15th exercise.
Ajwang stated that polling officials are undergoing training, and parish and sub-county supervisors have been conducting voter education in villages, instructing voters on procedures, rights, and roles.
Ajwang also mentioned the distribution of voter location slips and called for a large turnout early on Election Day to facilitate timely voting and tallying.
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