NATIONAL
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) have separately called on voters across the country to turn up in large numbers and participate peacefully in the ongoing local government elections concluding today.
The polls will determine sub-county chairpersons and parish councillors, positions considered key in the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots.
Speaking on Tuesday, UPC head of media and communications Muzeyi Faizo said the party had fielded candidates for various elective positions across the country and was optimistic of performing well despite concerns over low voter turnout in recent elections.
“As UPC, we appreciate the participation of our members. We have presented candidates at all elective positions across the country for parish councillors and sub-county chairpersons,” Faizo said.
He urged party supporters, leaders and well-wishers to participate in the voting process and rally behind UPC candidates.
“We call upon all members of the party, supporters and well-wishers to turn up in big numbers and vote for UPC candidates. Although voter turnout has been low in recent elections, UPC has managed to register several victories,” he said.
Faizo also appealed for calm and peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections, warning against violence and electoral-related tensions.
“Peace starts with an individual. As candidates, voters and members of the public, we must ensure that we participate peacefully. Elections come and go, but we remain one community,” he said.
He further urged Electoral Commission officials at polling and tallying centres to ensure transparency and fairness while declaring results.
“We want the Electoral Commission to ensure that what is declared reflects the will of the people. If UPC wins, we shall accept victory, and if we lose, we shall concede. But we do not want situations where the will of the people is tampered with,” Faizo said.
He cited past electoral disputes, including incidents in Ajuri, where the party claimed attempts were made to overturn its victory, saying such scenarios should be avoided.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission also appealed to voters to actively participate in the elections, describing local government leadership as critical to service delivery.
“The Commission would like to appeal to all registered voters across the country to turn up in very big numbers today to elect their local leaders,” EC spokesperson Julius Mucungzi said.
Mucungzi emphasised that leadership at the sub-county, town council and municipal division levels is central to the implementation of government programmes.
“Leadership at local government level, especially at the sub-county, town council and municipal division levels, is very critical because it is at these levels that the real implementation of government programmes takes place,” he said.
He noted that policies passed by the central government and budgets approved by Parliament are executed at the local government level, making the election of competent leaders essential.
“It is at these local government levels that government policies are implemented and where public resources are monitored,” Mucungzi added.
The EC has repeatedly cautioned against voter apathy, warning that low voter turnout undermines democratic participation and accountability at the grassroots.
