Dokolo (UG): The Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda has indicated that voting for the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament is smoothly progressing at all polling stations in the northern Ugandan district.
A total of 95,000 people of Dokolo District have been validated and verified to vote at 173 polling stations in 14 sub counties in District in which six candidates are contesting in this by-election.
Daily Express has witnessed few incident of Biometric machine fault and mismatch in voting Serial numbers at some polling station visited that caused delay in most polling stations but the Electoral commission has been swift to respond.
According to Mr Stephen Tashobya, a commissioner at the Electoral Commission who is on the ground in Dokolo, there was a technical problem with the Biometric voter verification machine initially but the commission was able to find a new machine which allowed the voting to kick off.
“Voting materials were set up at various polling stations as early as possible, but low voter turnout remains a significant challenge.” Steven Tashobya said.
Candidates casted their votes safely.
At Angwecibangi Primary school polling station, NRM candidate Rose Janet Adong Elau casted her vote on Thursday morning after which she said the voting exercise was so far good and estimated victory on her side.
“I mobilized widely and because of short period I have managed to reach a wider community and turn up to me is good for the exercise,” Adong noted.
At Angai polling station, Kangai sub county, independent candidate, Rebbeca Arao also voted by 11:14 AM.
DailyExpress also witnessed massive numbers turn up to cast their vote at Apye A polling station, Apye Primary School where the NUP flag bearer, Harriet Ageno casted her vote from.
Meanwhile, UPC’s Sarah Aguti voted from Apenyoweo polling station A in Apenyoweo Primary School, Okwongodul Sub County.
The UPC Regional vice chairperson, Chrish Ongom told DailyExpress at this polling station that the voters turn up is steadily improving.
“If it continue like it is now, we hope it will finish safely. Beside we have enough deployment in all the 173 polling station,” Ongom said.
Ongom said their polling agents are set at different polling station which he said is giving them hope for the safety of the UPC votes.
Security situation at look.
Dokolo Resident District commissioner, Babra Akech said Kanyama (the unusual people) have punched their way into Dokolo Politic and asserted that the appearance of such people who disguise as vigilantes in the district has raised fear because of their scaring attires.
“As we talk we are seeing some giant men in black clothes. They are new faces in the district and as security we have taken up the matter before it is late,” RDC Akech said in a statement.
She said the group who they are yet to established their whereabouts seem to be from the opposition party.
A source in the Kanyama camp who claimed they are ferried from somewhere else from Dokolo but also ask for anonymity said their work is to escort ballot paper to and from polling station to the tally room.
Daily Express independently witnessed Boda Boda riders ferrying voters to different polling station. After casting their votes, they were seen gathered at nearby centers discussing the votes base on their political affiliation.
However, Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police spokesperson said alertness has continued in the highest order possible.
He described the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament election as ‘So far so good’.
“As police and sister security agency we are prepared to ensure the electoral process. We want to call for calmness and strict adherence from the general public to electoral law,” Okema.
He added that police has not yet got report of Kanyama who allegedly hit Dokolo District. He said they shall inquire from their field officer and inform the public.
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