This morning Bukedea District started the polling under the tight vigilance of the Electoral Commission (EC) officials, police and other agency in what one would say another tasting shot for the commission.
The run up to these elections have been punctuated by violent incidents until the EC called upon the Uganda Police Force to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the alleged acts of violence that occurred during the nomination process. The commission emphasized the need for swift action to identify the perpetrators and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
The incident took place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, where violent acts marred the nomination process for the by-election of the District Chairperson in Bukedea, and it has raised serious questions about the safety and integrity of the electoral process, prompting swift condemnation from the commission and calls for a thorough investigation.
According to initial accounts, the assault took place as the aspirant approached the office of the returning officer in Bukedea to present themselves for nomination as a candidate for the District Chairperson position. Details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, and the motive behind the assault is yet to be determined.
The candidates in the District Chairperson include; Mr Akol Mary (National Resistance Movement – NRM), Lokwiisk Tychicus Ebukalin (Independent and Oita Sam Odeke (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC).
While in the district directly-elected Councillor candidates include, Epilo Moses (Independent), Kedi Johnson (Independent), Ojilong Richard Kabuya Sofi (Independent), Okia William (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC and Ongole Richard (National Resistance Movement – NRM).
This morning the EC announced that the final preparations for the elections were in place and that they were ready to run the election and action many people in Bukedea welcomed.
The vacancy for District Chairperson, Bukedea District, occurred as a result of the death of the former Chairperson, Moses Olemukan on 17th December 2022, while the vacancy of the District Directly-elected Councillor occurred due to the resignation of the elected Councillor.
Section 171(1) of The Local Government Act Cap 243 requires the Electoral Commission to organise a by-election for the District Chairperson within six (6) months from the occurrence of the vacancy. Therefore, the statutory deadline for holding the by-election is Thursday 15th June 2023.
“The Commission wishes to commend the candidates and their supporters for a generally peaceful campaign period. The Commission further commends Uganda Police for ensuring compliance with the campaign guidelines,” said Justice Simon Byabakama, the commission chairman.
Bukedea District, which has a total of 100,294 registered voters, 53,899 who are females and 46,395 males. The district has 180 polling stationsm,16 Sub Counties and Town Councils, 152 parishes and wards.
“The Electoral Commission wishes to draw the attention of the political parties participating in this by-election to S.16 (1a) of the Electoral Commission Act, which provides for the accreditation of representatives of political parties, independent candidates, civil society organisations, and any other duly registered institution, to observe electoral activities,” Justice Byabakama said.
He adds that accordingly, participating political parties have been permitted to deploy not more than five (5) observers per Sub County/Town Council. These accredited observers will be required to limit their activity to the designated areas (Sub County/Town Council), and the Police have been notified to enforce this regulation.
Mr Paul Bukenya the spokesperson of EC said, “Voting has started at all polling stations in Bukedea District, and the exercise is progressing smoothly. Verification of the first 10 voters as witnesses at commencement of the polling process at Kwarikwar TC polling station.”
