Low turnout has characterized the ongoing village voters’ register update for the upcoming Local Council I elections in Fort Portal City, with election officials and community leaders urging eligible residents to register before the exercise closes. The registration exercise at the village level, which began on Monday, will end on Friday.
Some residents attribute the low turnout to people’s busy work schedules, while others believe many are waiting until the last minute. Joseph Makune, a resident of Nyakabale A village, says many people tend to underestimate the importance of LC I elections and have chosen to prioritize their businesses and daily work instead of registering for the election.
He noted that the registration process is simple and takes only a short time because registration points are located within each village, eliminating the need for transport. Makune noted that the absence of monetary enticements from candidates could be contributing to the low turnout, unlike parliamentary and presidential elections where some candidates allegedly use money to influence voters.
Grace Kangume, also from the village, described the registration process as quick and convenient, saying residents are attended to immediately upon arrival. She appealed to the future village leadership to intensify the fight against corruption and address increasing cases of theft in communities.
Nicholas Asaba, a resident of Nyakabale B village, emphasized the importance of participating in the registration exercise, saying LC I leaders are the first point of contact whenever residents encounter problems in their villages. He observed that many current village leaders have served for long periods without elections, making the upcoming polls an opportunity for residents to elect leaders who can better meet their expectations.
Asaba added that while some people are still unaware that the registers have been displayed for updating, others are deliberately waiting until the final days of the exercise. He encouraged all eligible residents to register early so they can exercise their constitutional right to vote for leaders of their choice.
In Kisumbi A Village, Pastor Rujwahuka took it upon himself to mobilize residents by moving around with a megaphone, encouraging them to register. He said the turnout remained low despite the ongoing exercise and called on residents to take advantage of the remaining days.
Doreen Kebirungi, a market vendor, said she had not yet registered because she could not afford to leave her work, which provides her daily income, but planned to register before the exercise ends.
Isaac Byamugisha, the Fort Portal City Returning Officer, on Wednesday told this reporter that the exercise is progressing well despite low turnout during the first two days. He noted that attendance had improved following intensified mobilization through radio programs, stakeholder engagement and door-to-door sensitization.
Byamugisha urged all eligible residents to register before Friday, warning that there would be no extension of the exercise. He emphasized that anyone who fails to register will not be eligible to vote or contest in the upcoming LC I elections. According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, the display of the updated village voters’ register will take place on July 13 and 14.
Nomination of candidates is scheduled for July 15 to 19; campaigns will run from July 20 to 27, while polling for LC I elections will be conducted on July 28-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
