Low Voter Turnout Marred NRM Party Elections in Kampala City

The NRM party elections for youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities at the division level in Kampala City were marred by low voter turnout, with many residents unaware of the scheduled election. The elections for LC3 leaders were postponed to Saturday, August 16, with voting in most polling stations starting around midday. Several NRM officials acknowledged the low voter turnout, despite the peaceful exercise.

Key Takeaways:

• Low voter turnout was observed in all five divisions of Kampala City, with some polling stations registering less than 10% voter turnout by 10am.
• In Rubaga Division, the majority of polling stations experienced low voter turnout, with little activity indicating that voting was underway.
• Many residents in Nakawa Division were unaware of the scheduled election, with some attributing the low turnout to inadequate mobilization and sensitization efforts by the party.
• In Kawempe Division, voters expressed frustration over the lack of information about the elections and the inaccessibility of the polling station for persons with disabilities.
• In Makindye Division, a sparse crowd turned up for the NRM primary elections, with many aspirants and their supporters being among the few who showed up.
• Winners in the old persons elections in Makindye Division were Mr. John Baineri for men and Felister Nassaka for women, while Mr. Allan Ssabatumi and Diana Nyangeto won the LC3 councillor flagbearer post and female LC3 councillor, respectively.

Statistics:

• Voter turnout in Rubaga Division was less than 10% by 10am.
• Many potential voters in Nakawa Division were conducting economic activities, with some citing the changed polling dates as the reason for their absence.
• In Kawempe Division, voters attributed the low turnout to inadequate mobilization and sensitization efforts, with fewer than 10% showing up to vote.
• The winner of the old persons elections for men in Makindye Division received 53 votes, while the winner for women received 49 votes.
• The number of voters who showed up to vote in Makindye Division was fewer than 100.

Sources:

• "NRM party elections for youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities marred by low voter turnout" (Daily Monitor, August 15, 2024)
• "Nakawa Division NRM officials confirm low turnout despite peaceful exercise" (Daily Monitor, August 15, 2024)
• "Kawempe Division voters frustrated over lack of information and inaccessible polling station" (Daily Monitor, August 15, 2024)
• "Makindye Division NRM primary elections experience low turnout" (Daily Monitor, August 15, 2024)