Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has attributed the low voter turnout in today’s local government elections to voter apathy and a lack of public confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC).
Speaking after casting his vote at Bulwa Zone polling station in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Lukwago criticized what he described as brutality, violence, intimidation, and the arrest of opposition figures, which he said have discouraged voters from turning up at polling stations.
He also cited the presidential and parliamentary election results announced by the EC last Thursday, saying the outcome has further demotivated many Ugandans from participating in the electoral process.
Lukwago, who is seeking re-election for another term as Kampala Lord Mayor, is facing competition from Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo of theNational Unity Platform (NUP), Beatrice Mao of the Democratic Party (DP), Moses Kiziro of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Ibrahim Kasozi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), as well as independents Jonathan Yamulebire and Nabirah Naggayi Ssempala.
Meanwhile, Lukwago criticised the EC for failing to deploy Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs), warning that their absence could fuel electoral malpractice in today’s polls.
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