Staff Reporter
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has urged voters in Kisoro District to resist vote bribery ahead of the by-elections for the Woman Member of Parliament and local government councilors.
The Woman MP seat became vacant following the tragic death of Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, on September 7, 2024. The by-elections are scheduled for November 14, 2024. Additionally, the Chahafi Male Youth Councilor resigned, while both the councilor representing older persons and the councilor representing people with disabilities in Northern Division, Kisoro Municipality, passed away. The election for these special interest groups will take place on November 11, 2024.
During a consultative meeting at Shaaza Playground in Kisoro Municipality, Justice Byabakama voiced concern about vote bribery among aspiring candidates, labeling it a practice that undermines Uganda’s democracy. He condemned bribery as both illegal and unconstitutional, urging voters to reject such acts, noting that they are often bribed with insignificant amounts.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of cooperation to ensure peaceful by-elections and called on the public to honor the late Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi by ensuring a fair and transparent process. He also urged all stakeholders to assist in updating the National Voters’ Register and verifying voter details to prevent disenfranchisement. Additionally, he underscored the need for public education and voter mobilization to guarantee the election’s success. He also welcomed applications for accredited election observers, stressing the need for neutrality to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
In response, local stakeholders thanked the Electoral Commission for its efforts, although some raised concerns about challenges such as poor network connectivity in the district. Aspiring candidates expressed mixed feelings about the 12-day campaign period, saying it was too short to effectively reach all voters across the district.
