TWINOMUHWEZI O
Some sub-county leaders in Rukungiri District have expressed concerns over the recently concluded voter register update exercise, citing challenges such as inadequate equipment, limited manpower, and delays. However, other leaders have commended the government for ensuring a smooth process.
Nyakishenyi Sub-County Chairperson Wednesday Twinomujuni and Nyarushanje Sub-County Chairperson Michael Musime voiced their disappointment with the exercise. Twinomujuni highlighted that the number of registration officers was insufficient compared to the population, leading to overcrowding at the update centers. In some instances, registrars were reportedly absent from designated stations. He revealed that his sub-county had submitted a request to the Rukungiri District Electoral Commission for an extension of the exercise but had not yet received a response. Twinomujuni is now appealing to the government to provide additional time so that all eligible voters in his area can be registered.
Musime echoed similar sentiments, stating that the equipment provided was inadequate, leading to long queues and delays in the registration process. He urged the government to consider the large population of Nyarushanje Sub-County and extend the registration period to allow full coverage of eligible voters.
Meanwhile, Benon Mugisha, the Buhunga Sub-County Chairperson in Rujumbura County, praised the government for conducting a peaceful registration exercise. Although he acknowledged challenges such as unstable electricity that occasionally disrupted the process, he commended residents for actively participating in the update.
Responding to the concerns, Rukungiri District Electoral Commission Officer Namara K. Abbas also appreciated the government’s support in facilitating the exercise. However, he denied receiving any formal request from Twinomujuni’s sub-county for an extension. Namara advised individuals who missed the registration to visit the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) offices at the district headquarters to have their names added to the voter register.
The national voter registration update exercise, which began on January 20, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on February 10. However, following complaints from politicians and local leaders about the limited timeframe, Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Mugyenyi Byabakama granted a seven-day extension, pushing the deadline to February 17. Byabakama acknowledged that the process was hampered by a shortage of registration kits from NIRA and frequent technical malfunctions of some electronic devices. He, however, ruled out any further extensions.
