By KT Reporter
The Jinja District security teams, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Andrew Ntange, have called on polling constables and the general public to use their smartphones to record proceedings at polling stations in an effort to promote transparency.
The district recorded a low voter turnout in the early morning hours, as many residents first attended to their gardens before heading to polling stations.
However, in Butagaya Sub-county and Namagera Town Council—home areas of the leading candidates—there was a high early turnout due to intensive mobilization efforts by the contestants to secure support from their local bases before reaching out to other parts of the district.
In contrast, most of the remaining sub-counties and town councils only began registering voter activity around midday.
This delayed the election process, as village registrars had to follow the recommended verification procedures before clearing eligible voters.
Jinja District is composed of 246 villages. Ntange, who says he has visited about 50 polling stations so far, noted that they are leveraging technology to ensure fairness across the district. He emphasized that while security and electoral teams cannot be physically present at all polling stations, collaboration with the general public through video evidence is a “magic bullet” in promoting accountability.
Ntange explained that many citizens own smartphones, and by capturing videos of the voting process—particularly lines of voters and final declarations by village registrars—they can help dispel suspicion and enhance trust in the process.
Ntange also noted that delays in opening polls tend to create public suspicion of foul play, but he believes visual evidence can help verify the integrity of the process. He stressed that final tallies will be determined on a village-by-village basis, and footage from the public can be cross-checked with recordings from polling constables to ensure fairness.
Meanwhile, Jinja District Registrar Paul Kiwanuka confirmed that village registrars received thorough training in vote management aimed at minimizing electoral malpractice. Following the disputes that marred last week’s NRM primaries,
Kiwanuka said officials were now keen on gathering visual evidence to curb manipulation of results. He warned that any registrar found engaging in malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted, adding that well-documented footage could assist forensic teams and serve as credible evidence in court.
The district’s most hotly contested race is between incumbent LCV Chairperson Moses Batwala and Butagaya Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Abdullah Suuta, who are battling for the NRM flag at the district level.
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