By KT Reporter
There is excitement in Oyam District over the Electoral Commission’s move to establish 60 new polling stations ahead of the 2026 general elections. In the 2021 general election, Oyam had a total of 335 polling stations.
The addition of 60 new stations brings the total to 395, a move that aims to ease voter access and reduce long travel distances to polling centers.
Robert Onoba, the Oyam District Returning Officer, said the decision was made to improve accessibility in areas where voters had previously traveled more than three kilometers to cast their votes.
Several residents told URN that the new polling stations will enhance voter participation, reduce congestion, and make voting more convenient, especially for older citizens. Michael Okello, LC I Chairperson of Amone A Village in Loro Sub-county, praised the expansion, saying it will particularly benefit the elderly.
“It will enhance voter convenience and reduce travel distances, particularly for older residents who previously faced challenges reaching polling stations,” he said. Mary Adong, a resident of Amone B Village, noted that many voters in her community had missed previous elections due to poor road conditions.
“Residents in our area often missed voting when heavy rains damaged roads, preventing access to Loro Amido polling station, which was five kilometers away,” she said, adding that she hopes the new polling station will resolve this issue.
Denis Anyeki, an aspirant for a seat in Oyam Town Council, also welcomed the development. He cited both logistical and financial benefits for voters and candidates.
Anyeki explained that shorter travel distances would reduce voter transportation costs, which had previously been a burden, especially for candidates mobilizing their supporters.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is currently conducting a voter register display exercise to verify and update the list of eligible voters in preparation for the 2026 general elections-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
