STAFF REPORTER
The Kisoro District Woman Member of Parliament by-election has turned into a high-stakes competition, with the commercialization of votes emerging as a central concern. Voters across the district reportedly demand financial compensation in exchange for their support, with many requesting “Igyihumbi,” or UGX 1,000, for their vote.
This expectation of monetary incentives has intensified pressure on candidates navigating the challenging campaign landscape. The issue highlights a broader national problem identified in the Commercialization of Parliamentary Elections in Uganda publication by the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights. The report points out that the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework for campaign financing has perpetuated the commercialization of elections. This trend, in turn, has undermined the quality of leadership in the National Assembly and weakened the accountability between elected officials and their constituents, ultimately infringing on the electorate’s right to human dignity.
The report further warns that the commercialization of elections hampers the growth of sustainable parliamentary governance. It recommends the implementation of a robust law on campaign financing to curb these detrimental practices.
Jimmy Akena, President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), raised alarms over this situation during a campaign rally for UPC candidate Mable Ingabire in Muramba Sub County and Bunagana Town Council on Saturday. He expressed deep concern over the desperation of voters demanding money, describing the trend as a troubling reflection of the country’s political climate.
Similarly, Jack Sabiiti, Chairman of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), condemned the escalating commercialization of votes. Speaking about the wider impact, Sabiiti accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party of fostering this practice, noting that financial incentives have long been used to influence voters, especially during election campaigns.
The by-election, scheduled for November 14, 2024, promises to be a fiercely contested race. Candidates from various parties, including Salim Sultana (National Unity Platform), Aisha Cyimpaye (People’s Progressive Party), Juliet Musanase (FDC), and Mable Ingabire (UPC), are in the running to fill the seat left vacant by the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, who passed away in early September.
