URN.Fred Lubinga, the National Unity Platform candidate for LCIII Chairperson seat in Katuugo own faulted security personnel for heavy deployment which has scared some voters from turning up at polling stations.
There is a low voter turnout in the residual and by-elections in Nakasongola district.
By-elections are taking place in Katuugo town council to fill the position of LCIII Chairperson after George William Sempungu who was elected in general elections died after swearing-in while the residual elections are being conducted in Kazwama town council to fill the position of LCIII Chairperson seat and councilors.
The Elections were canceled in general elections over a mix-up of names in the register.
However, by 1 pm, the majority of the polling stations in Katuugo town council had registered few voters, and polling officials, as well as agents, were seen conversing to pass time.
At Bamusuuta Polling Station, only 70 out of 331 voters had turned up to vote whereas at Kyamulimbye Polling Station 72 out of 613 registered voters had cast their vote.
At Kiralamba polling station 50 out of 350 registered voters had voted whereas at Katuugo NFA Tree Shade polling 25 out of 82 registered voters had cast their vote while at Kyabukonyogo polling station 60 out of 209 voters had cast their vote.
Ismael Bihemaiso the Presiding Officer of Bamusuta Polling Station said in past general elections, by midday they had almost exceeded half of the total registered voters who had cast their vote.
Brian Kwikiriza the Presiding officer at Kiralamba Polling stations, says that they were hopeful that turn up may pick in late afternoon because some voters opted to first work and vote later.
Fred Lubinga, the National Unity Platform candidate for LCIII Chairperson seat in Katuugo own faulted security personnel for heavy deployment which has scared some voters from turning up at polling stations.
Gaster Lule Musisi the National Resistance Movement candidate for the Katuugo LCIII Chairperson seat said the poor turn up will affect each candidate.
In Kazwama town council where Umar Wasswa (Independent) and Fred Byabagambi (NRM) elections are contesting for the LCIII Chairperson seat, the turn-up is almost the same.
Bashir Bisaaso the District Chairperson Forum for Democratic Change also faulted the Electoral Commission for not popularizing the elections saying by morning some people were not aware that the exercise was scheduled today.
Anthony Mwaita Ambrose the Nakasongola Returning Officer says people were aware of elections but only chose not to participate for several reasons.
Mwaita said that in Katuugo, the voters told him that they lost interest in elections after voting a candidate and died thereafter. Mwaita however said the turn-up may pick up later in the day as the exercise is coming to an end.
Meanwhile, there is there heavy deployment in the Katuugo town council to avert election violence. Policemen-backed by Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF and Prisons have been seen patrolling the town.
