*By John Kusolo*
In a final briefing ahead of the much-anticipated Kisoro by-elections, the Chairperson of Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, affirmed the commission’s readiness to facilitate a peaceful and transparent election. The briefing underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring an orderly electoral process, with robust measures in place to accommodate the 162,189 registered voters across 322 polling stations in the district.
Justice Byabakama highlighted the detailed preparations undertaken to streamline the voting experience for both voters and election personnel. Of the registered voters in Kisoro, 56% are women and 44% are men, reflecting a balanced participation. This demographic breakdown not only underscores gender inclusivity but also emphasizes the critical role of women in the democratic process.
The Electoral Commission confirmed that all 322 polling stations across the district are ready to serve voters. All election materials will be dispatched to each polling station starting at 4:00 a.m. on Polling Day to ensure they are in place well before the first voters arrive. Candidate agents are encouraged to observe the process from the early stages, ensuring transparency and accountability.
To ensure safety and uphold public order, the Uganda Police Force is fully involved, coordinating with the Electoral Commission to maintain a peaceful environment throughout the voting process. Enhanced security measures will be implemented around polling stations and other critical areas, aiming to prevent disruptions and reassure voters of a safe voting experience.
The Kisoro District Council Hall has been designated as the official Tally Center for this by-election. The Tally Center will restrict access exclusively to accredited personnel, including officials from the Electoral Commission, candidate agents, and security personnel, ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of the vote-counting process. Only authorized individuals will be permitted inside the center to oversee and validate the tallying of votes. This measure aims to uphold transparency and trust in the final result.
To facilitate clear communication and address any concerns, the Electoral Commission has set up a Query and Complaints Desk at the Kisoro District Council Hall, where voters, candidate representatives, and election observers can seek assistance. Additionally, the Commission has provided two toll-free lines, 0800 300121 and 0800 300122, to address voter inquiries and complaints. These channels are designed to offer prompt responses, ensuring transparency and addressing any emerging issues during the election process.
Polling will commence on Thursday, 14th November, at 7:00 a.m. and continue uninterrupted until 4:00 p.m. Voters are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion and ensure timely participation. Eligible voters are advised to carry valid identification to streamline the verification process at the polling stations. Polling agents and EC officials will be present to guide voters through the process, maintaining order and assisting with any queries.
Candidate agents will play a crucial role in monitoring the election, witnessing both the voting and vote-counting processes. Their presence is intended to enhance transparency and maintain the integrity of the election. Agents are expected to cooperate with Electoral Commission staff and abide by the set rules, contributing to a credible and transparent election process.
This by-election follows the passing of former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, in September 2024
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