As preparations for the upcoming Local Council I (LC I) elections gather momentum across the country, residents of Nakanyeenya-Ttanda Village in Ttamu Division, Mityana Municipality, have appealed to the Electoral Commission to urgently address alleged inconsistencies in the village voters’ register to prevent confusion and possible disputes on polling day.
The residents claim that the recently displayed voters’ register contains several irregularities, including the omission of names of some eligible voters and the continued listing of individuals who reportedly relocated from the area several years ago.
They further allege that the current LC I Chairperson, John Marry Muganzi, together with his wife, disregarded the official register displayed by the Electoral Commission and instead relied on a different list, a move they say has created uncertainty among voters.
“We are asking the Electoral Commission to verify the register before voting day. Many genuine voters cannot find their names, while people who no longer live here are still listed. This could deny residents their constitutional right to vote,” said Lilian Namubiru, a resident.
The concerned residents also expressed fear that confusion surrounding the voters’ register could lead to unnecessary confrontations with security personnel during the elections if some voters are turned away from polling stations.
“We want a transparent election. If the register is not corrected in time, many innocent residents may be accused of causing chaos simply because their names are missing,” said Tumwekwase Robert, another resident.
During a visit to the village, our reporter found an Electoral Commission official assigned to the exercise reviewing names on the register. However, after noticing the presence of the media, the official removed the register from public view and declined to comment on the concerns raised by residents.
When contacted, Nakanyeenya-Ttanda Village LC I Chairperson John Mary Muganzi said he had not yet reached the area where the alleged confusion was being reported and therefore could not immediately respond to the accusations.
The Electoral Commission is yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaints raised by residents as preparations for the LC I elections continue.
