By KT Reporter
Voter apathy and fatigue following repeated postponements were cited as the main reasons for the low turnout during the residual City Women Councillor elections in Fort Portal City on Tuesday.
The elections, originally scheduled for January 22, were suspended due to a ballot paper mix-up, where candidate names were either swapped or missing. Subsequent rescheduling, first to February 4 and later to February 17, left many residents unaware that voting was taking place.
Several voters said the repeated delays dampened public morale. Bashir Musinguzi noted that interest declined because no other positions were being contested alongside the councillor seat.
Gorret Kimuli added that voters whose preferred candidates had lost earlier elections lost motivation to return, while Richard Kusemererwa said many simply chose to focus on work and daily life. Shaban Kugonza highlighted that some students and workers were unable to return after being forced to leave during previous postponements.
Low turnout was evident at polling stations. At Nyabukara Catholic Church, presiding officer Edith Kabahubya reported that by 1:00 PM, only 34 out of 472 registered voters had cast ballots.
Candidates expressed frustration over the repeated delays. Josephine Komuhimbo, Fort Portal Central West candidate, said the postponements drained them financially and emotionally, forcing them to spend more on campaigning while struggling to mobilize disengaged voters. She called on the Electoral Commission to compensate affected candidates.
Traxier Komuntale, Fort Portal Central South candidate, echoed concerns over low turnout, inadequate voter mobilization, and the psychological and financial toll on candidates. She also urged the Electoral Commission to provide compensation.
Voting took place across affected wards, including Kagote, Nyabukara, Kibimba, Rwengoma, Bazaar, Kasusu, Kijanju in Central Division, and Karago, Kazingo, Kiguma, Ibonde, Kitarasa, Nyakitojo, Kitaka, and Mandako in North Division.
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