Kisoro, Uganda | The selection of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidate for the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election is underway, but voter turnout has been notably low.
The candidates vying for the nomination include Rose Kabagyeni, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture; Brenda Fancy Nirere; Grace Ngabirano Akifeza; Hellen Mbonye; Faith Winfred Igiraneza; Jemimah Irankunda; Blessed Kitentera; and Irene Mahirwe. Additionally, five other candidates—Slyvia Dushime, Louise Niyikiriza, Allen Nkurikiye, Aphia Nyiramahoro, and Eva Twizere—are also in the race.
According to the NRM party's electoral commission schedule, voters were expected to arrive at polling stations between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Polling officials were to verify voter names and provide information from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with actual voting and counting set for 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
However, our reporter observed that many voters arrived late, with some polling stations reporting no arrivals by 11:00 AM. For instance, Kagezi village in Mpaka town council saw no voters present, and Nshungwe polling station in Busanza Sub County experienced a similar lack of turnout.
At Karumera polling station, also known as Mayor’s Gardens in Kisoro municipality, the reading of names began at 10:31 AM, but only about 30 voters were present. At Kisoro Hill polling station, or Saza grounds, name reading commenced around 11:10 AM.
Polling official Scovia Nyuramahoro explained to Kigezi region police commander Ibrahim Saiga that the late start was due to voters not arriving on time. Voter Eldad Iriho expressed concerns about poor awareness regarding the voting schedule.
Tang Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM party Electoral Commission, stated that the decision to hold voting from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM was aimed at preventing double voting across polling stations.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, confirmed that security personnel were on standby to address any potential issues.
This by-election follows the passing of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the former Kisoro District Woman MP and State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who died from a heart attack on September 7.
