The mayor of Katabi Town Council in Wakiso District, Ronald Kalema Bassamulekere has expressed concerns over the inadequate voter verification centers in the area.
In his letter to the Returning Officer of Wakiso District, the mayor highlighted the impracticality of having only one verification center at the Town Council Headquarters, serving a heavily populated area comprising five wards: Nkumba, Kisubi, Kitala, Nalugala, and Kabaale.
This disparity is particularly striking when compared to municipalities with smaller populations, which have been allocated verification centers at each ward level.
The mayor fears that this inequality may hinder the effective participation of Katabi Town Council constituents in the verification process.
Furthermore, the mayor requested that the Electoral Commission consider relocating its operations from Gombolola to Kitala, where the town council headquarters is situated.
This move would align with the actual jurisdiction and central location of Katabi Town Council, facilitating easier access for residents.
Kalema raised concerns about the supervisors assigned to the town council and parish levels saying, “The newly appointed individuals, who are fresh from school, lack familiarity with local stakeholders”.
He urged the Electoral Commission to address these concerns promptly, ensuring that Katabi Town Council constituents can participate fully in the verification process.
“With a population of over 186,200 people, as of 2023, it is essential that the Electoral Commission takes steps to facilitate inclusive and accessible voter verification processes” Kalema stated.
