BUSHENYI
The Bushenyi District Electoral Commission has rolled out an initiative aimed at equipping primary school pupils with knowledge about the importance of voting and active participation in electoral processes.
The program was launched at Parental Care Primary School in Bushenyi, where pupils took part in a hands-on exercise to elect their school leaders, demonstrating the voting process in practice.
Speaking during the exercise, Twinomugisha Crescent, an official from the Electoral Commission, said the initiative is intended to reduce fear and hesitation associated with voting by building confidence and awareness among young learners.
“We want to demystify the voting process at an early age so that these children grow up knowing that participating in elections is their right and responsibility,” he said.
In the school elections, Atuha Alvin Gershom, a Primary Six pupil, was elected President after polling 515 votes, defeating his closest contender Beinomugosha Christian, who garnered 300 votes. He will be deputised by Vice President Itungo Desmond.
Other elected leaders include Mitchall Jesse (Boys) and Arinda Samantha (Girls) as Prime Ministers, Batega Codate as Speaker, Iiga Jordan (Boys) and Karungi Fazira (Girls) as Ministers of Health, Dorita Aineamasiko as Minister in charge of Co-curricular Activities (School Clubs), and Kemigisha Marylisa as Minister of Welfare.
Twinomugisha Crescent, representing Ashaba Annet, the District Returning Officer, officially declared Atuha Alvin Gershom as President-Elect of Parental Care Nursery and Primary School.
He emphasized that voter education is a vital tool in motivating citizens, especially the youth, to participate in elections once they reach voting age.
“Voter education is key in reducing fear and minimizing the number of invalid ballot papers we often see during presidential elections due to limited awareness,” he noted.
The school headteacher, Desmond Tayebwa, said giving children the opportunity to elect their leaders builds confidence among pupils while preparing those elected to take on leadership responsibilities early in life.
“Allowing learners to choose their leaders builds confidence not only among the voters but also among those entrusted with leadership,” Tayebwa said.
In his acceptance speech, President-elect Atuha Alvin Gershom thanked his fellow pupils for trusting him and pledged to serve diligently.
“I thank my fellow pupils for trusting me. I promise to work hard and serve you all,” he said, adding that he would strive to bridge the gap between the school administration and the pupils.
