By KT Reporter
There is heavy deployment of both Anti-Riot Police and the military in Hoima District as voters elect their local leaders. By 7:00 a.m., security forces had been deployed in the sub-counties of Kigorobya, Kitoba, Buseruka, Kapapi, Kabaale, Bombo, and Kyabigambire.
Authorities say the deployment is in anticipation of possible violence in the district’s hotly contested LC5 elections, where two candidates are vying for the Hoima LC5 seat. The race is closely contested between Uthman Mubarak Mugisa, the incumbent running as an independent, and Vincent Muhumuza Savana, the NRM flag bearer who also serves as the NRM Chairperson for Hoima District.
During the campaign period, supporters of both candidates have clashed and mobilized youth to cause disturbances. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, said security forces have been deployed to prevent clashes and maintain order during and after the elections. He noted that intelligence reports indicated that supporters of both camps were planning to engage in violence, prompting the decision for heavy deployment.
“Security is ready to crush anybody who will cause chaos during the election. We call upon supporters of both camps to remain calm and maintain peace,” warned Hakiza. Hakiza further reassured voters that the heavy security presence around polling stations is intended to protect them throughout the voting process. He added that authorities had identified potential hotspot areas in the district where organized youth groups might attempt to disrupt the elections, though he declined to disclose specific locations.
The police spokesperson also cautioned against voter bribery, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and could compromise peace.
By 7:00 a.m., all polling materials had been delivered to the district’s 290 polling stations. Hassan Takwana, the Hoima District Returning Officer, told Uganda Radio Network (URN) that distribution of voting materials began at 5:00 a.m., ensuring that all stations were fully equipped by 7:00 a.m. Patrick Kahumuza, a voter at Kyesiga Church of Uganda polling station in Hoima West Division, praised the Electoral Commission for the timely delivery of materials.
Edward Okello, a voter at Kasenyi-Lyato polling station in Buseruka Sub-County, appealed to residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote while maintaining peace and unity.
Despite the timely arrival of materials, voter turnout remained low at most polling stations visited by URN in both the district and Hoima City. At Hoima Boma Grounds polling station, all polling officials and candidate agents were present by 7:50 a.m., but no voters had yet arrived. Similarly, at Bukerenge Primary School polling station in Kitoba Sub-County, voting materials and officials were in place by 7:15 a.m., but voters were still absent.
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