STAFF REPORTER
At least 162,189 voters are expected to participate in today’s Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election. Of the total registered voters, 90,808 are women, making up 56 percent, while 71,381 are men, representing 44 percent.
This election follows the resignation in early September of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs. The Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force have both confirmed their readiness to conduct the election, with voting taking place at 322 polling stations across the district. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., allowing sufficient time for vote counting.
Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, commended the candidates for conducting peaceful campaigns and urged voters to turn out early to cast their ballots. He also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the election process would be dealt with according to the law.
In addition, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Saiga, the Kigezi sub-region Police Commander, assured that security measures had been strategically deployed, with officers from the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Force, and internal security forces ensuring impartiality and neutrality throughout the election process.
Baker Walusimbi, head of the Global Election Observation Mission, confirmed that their team is on the ground to observe the election and will release a report after the event.
Six candidates are competing for the seat, including Rose Kabagyeni (NRM), Salim Sultana (NUP), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), Juliet Musanase (FDC), Mable Ingabire (UPC), and Grace Ngabirano Akifeza.
