In This Article

  • Chaos and Controversy in Entebbe and Katabi
  • Voter Intimidation and Irregularities
  • Disenfranchisement and Dissatisfaction
  • Unconventional Voting Practices
  • Security Forces Presence and Voter Restrictions
  • Calls for Electoral Commission Intervention

Key Takeaways

  • Chaos and controversy marred youth elections in Entebbe and Katabi due to threats, violence, and suspicions of irregularities.
  • Many young voters stayed away from the elections citing intimidation and physical harm concerns.
  • Incidents included a youth aspirant conducting his own vote counting and receiving an unofficial inauguration, leading to celebrations.
  • Security forces outnumbered voters in certain areas, and there were reports of students voting without being registered.
  • Community leaders have called for the Electoral Commission to intervene and rearrange the elections due to widespread misconduct and operational failures.

Chaos and controversy engulfed the youth elections in Entebbe and Katabi as the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) created panic in various polling stations. Despite heavy rainfall, a large turnout of youths was overshadowed by threats, violence, and suspicions of irregularities.

Many young voters opted to stay away from the election proceedings, citing concerns over intimidation and physical harm. In Katabi County, several polling stations faced a no-show from the presiding officers. Where voting did take place, it concluded as early as 11 a.m., leaving a significant number of voters feeling disenfranchised and dissatisfied.

One incident at the Abaita polling station saw a youth aspirant from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Jemba Jimmy, conducting his own vote counting and receiving an unofficial inauguration by his supporters. This unconventional ceremony led to jubilant celebrations among his followers.

Security forces were reportedly more numerous than voters in areas like Banga Nakiwogo, Bugonga, and Kigungu. Troubling reports emerged of students from Entebbe Comprehensive Secondary School being allowed to vote despite not being registered. NUP supporters also faced restrictions from accessing certain polling stations.

Community leaders, including LC1 Chairman Sebowa Abbey of Abaita Ababiri, have urged the Electoral Commission to intervene and rearrange the elections due to widespread misconduct and operational failures in many polling sites.

The situation escalated in Bendegere and Banga, where the UPDF allegedly took full control of the election process, barring known political affiliates from participating. Witnesses reported instances of armed personnel preventing youth from documenting the events and resorting to severe beatings against dissenters, leading to calls for accountability and transparency in what many consider a compromised democratic process.

Tags:

#Uganda #violence #Youth Elections #Intimidation #Electoral Commission