Kampala, Uganda — Allegations of electoral malpractice are hovering over Uganda’s general election as voting is currently underway across the country, despite assurances by the Electoral Commission (EC) that the process will be transparent and credible. Concerns have emerged following delays in the delivery and malfunctioning of voting kits at several polling stations.
According to local media outlets providing live coverage, a number of polling stations — including sections of downtown Kampala — have not received voting materials by 9:00 a.m., even though polling officially began at 7:00 a.m. Voting is scheduled to continue until 4:00 p.m.
The delays have caused frustration among voters and raised fears of possible voter disenfranchisement, particularly in busy urban centres.
Addressing the situation, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has clarified that voting should proceed even where biometric equipment fails. He has directed presiding officers that in cases where Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) are not working or fail to start, polling must begin immediately using the manual voter register system.
“Where the biometric voting machines are not working or have failed to start, elections should start immediately using the manual voter register,” Justice Byabakama said while responding to reports of technical glitches.
As of 9:00 a.m., a significant number of polling stations are still reporting non-functional voting kits, raising fresh concerns about election preparedness and the credibility of the process. Many voters are expressing uncertainty and anxiety over how the delays may affect the outcome of the election.
However, in other parts of the country, the voting process is proceeding smoothly and without interruption. Polling has opened on time in several regions, with steady voter turnout being recorded. In Rwakitura, where President Yoweri Museveni is expected to cast his vote at Karo High School Polling Station, a large number of voters have already turned up as voting continues.
The Electoral Commission maintains that it is addressing the challenges and has called on voters to remain calm as technical teams work to resolve the outstanding issues, while observers continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds nationwide.
About The Author
