The Electoral Commission chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, has commended the discipline displayed by young voters during the National Female Youth MP election held at Hoima City Stadium.
Out of four candidates, independent candidate Mercy Kanyesige was declared the winner with 216 votes, narrowly beating NRM candidate Dianah Ampaire Kampe, who garnered 198 votes.
Another independent candidate, Julia Muhumuza, received 24 votes, while NUP candidate Namande Edith Nakayiza obtained one vote. There were also two invalid votes.
Shortly after being declared the winner, Kanyesige attributed her victory to divine intervention and recounted challenges she faced during the primaries, where she claimed she was unfairly denied victory.
“We took part in the primaries and were rigged, and came back humble and determined. I have been insulted, but I stayed composed and here we are,” she said.
Justice Byabakama, who oversaw the exercise from start to finish, praised the youth for maintaining discipline throughout the voting process.
“This has been the most peaceful exercise so far. I want to commend the youth for the discipline, and now we are nurturing the great leaders,” he said.
He further encouraged young people to continue embracing politics, emphasizing the need for new leaders to eventually take over from the aging political class.
Attempts to reach Dianah Ampaire for comment were unsuccessful, with the NRM candidate stating she was busy and not ready to speak to journalists.