MBARARA/ NTUNGAMO- The chairman Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi has acknowledged that the absence of critical data for legible PWDs votes from National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda has crippled the inclusivity of the electoral process in the country.
In his message conveyed by Richard Baabo Kamugisha the acting Secretary electoral commission revealed that instructions not being provided in a format that is accessible to assist people with visual impairments or blindness to choose the candidates of their choice.
Byabakama said that though the law provides a chance of having trusted aides but some have denied their rights.
He made remarks on Friday during regional stakeholders’ workshop held at Hotel Triangle Mbarara for South West Region in preparation for the General Update of the National Voters Register slated for 20th Jan – 10th Feb 2025.
Kamugisha stressed that the electoral commission had planned to use brailes or big fonts of documents for visually impaired voters but they failed to secure data detailing the exact number of eligible Pwds voters for special arrangements.
He also challenged politicians to stop commercialized politics, inter and intra party rivalry saying that it has triggered violence and enmity in the face of victory.
Cue in……………..Kamugisha on parties
Robert Beine the Regional Election Officer appealed to the general public to fully participate in the forthcoming update exercise in fostering inclusivity, and credible elections.
Beine also called upon all students to turn up and register before the opening of the schools. He emphasized that transfer shall only be done during this update exercise.
The update exercise will include registration of voters, transfer, minor corrections, assignment of polling stations and include new revised registers for special interest groups.
