MICHAEL N
Candidates in Ntungamo District have been urged to follow Electoral Commission directives during the forthcoming elections.
In the harmonization meeting, which included aspiring Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons held on Wednesday at the Ntungamo District Electoral Commission, Elizabeth Namirembe, the Assistant Returning Officer Ntungamo, acknowledged the intention of this meeting as a way of laying strategies that candidates will follow during campaigns. These include campaigning from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Campaigns will begin on 10th November and end on 13th January 2025.
Elizabeth revealed that polling stations which had over 600 voters were divided into two polling stations to help in the smooth voting process and finishing in time. This would enable the Biometric Voter Machines to work properly and complete the exercise in time.
SP Mwesigwa, the District Police Commander Ntungamo District, revealed that security will not disrupt anyone regardless of political party unless candidates and their supporters fail to follow the required procedures during campaigns.
Moses Kahima, the NRM flag bearer for Ruhaama East County, acknowledged that this harmonization meeting has clarified the directives that candidates should follow to avoid colliding with their opponents according to the scheduled timetable drafted on Wednesday with their colleagues.
NRM flag bearer for Kajara County, Hon. Hunter Byenjeru Tukahirwa, spoke of peaceful campaigns since the candidates themselves have drafted timetables according to their will and expect no fights, as the DPC has promised tight security at all times in all parts of the district.
However, Winnie Ndiyo Twinomugisha, also known as Owa Work, the aspirant Woman Member of Parliament and PFF flag bearer, acknowledged that Ntungamo is usually full of irregularities and fights during elections, and the security is often corrupt, favoring NRM candidates. But she is hopeful that the campaigns will be free and fair unless the police lean to any side.
Ntungamo District has 812 polling stations, 1,033 villages, 135 parishes, 34 sub-counties, and 301,466 voters are expected to cast their votes.
