In a troubling trend, the today’s local elections in Uganda, which included races for Chairperson LC 5 seats, Municipal mayors, and District councilors, experienced a marked decline in voter turnout compared to the previous parliamentary elections. Reports from polling stations in Rukungiri and Ntungamo districts indicated that many eligible voters chose to stay home, a decision largely driven by financial influences and insufficient awareness of the candidates.
Local registrars and election officials cited the absence of financial incentives as a significant factor contributing to the low turnout. In previous parliamentary elections, candidates often provided monetary support to voters, creating a sense of urgency and participation. However, this election cycle saw many local councilor candidates refrain from offering similar financial benefits, leading to disinterest among potential voters.
Tumanye Joram, the NRM Registrar for Kakirago two Bugangari parish, remarked on the stark contrast between the two election types, noting that the enthusiasm was high during the last elections, but this time, the turnout was noticeably lower.
Joram explained that the campaigns for councilor positions lacked the visibility and engagement that characterized the parliamentary elections. Many voters were left confused about the candidates running for local offices, which contributed to their decision to abstain from voting. “People didn’t know whom to support, which kept them at home,” he added.
A youth chairperson from Rukungiri, who preferred to remain anonymous, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the lack of adequate facilitation for councilor candidates compared to MPs, particularly affecting younger voters who often prioritize financial incentives. He urged local leaders to engage in grassroots mobilization initiatives, such as door-to-door campaigns, to better inform and involve voters.
Residents expressed their frustrations regarding ineffective mobilization efforts. Arinaitwe Boaz, a voter from Kakabada B Eastern Division, pointed out that while MPs provided financial assistance, councilors did not, contributing to the low turnout. He criticized the timing of mobilization efforts, which were often too late to effectively engage voters.
Nickson Ahereza, registrar at Katungu polling station in Nyakagyeme subcounty, confirmed that those who did participate were primarily focused on voting for LC 5 chairpersons rather than councilors noting that many voters arrived at polling stations uncertain about the candidates, indicating a significant communication gap in the electoral process.
This trend of low voter turnout was not limited to Rukungiri. In Ntungamo District, Muhumuza Nicholas, the NRM Registrar for Kakukur-Rwenanuura Town Council, also noted a decline in participation. He attributed this to the lingering effects of financially motivated previous elections and the lack of effective candidate campaigning.
As the dust settles on these elections, it is evident that financial influences and inadequate voter education have contributed to a disengaged electorate. Local leaders and candidates must prioritize effective communication and community mobilization in future elections to ensure that citizens are informed and motivated to participate in the democratic process.
