Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticized the Electoral Commission’s decision not to declare a public holiday for the Women’s Council elections, arguing that the move could reduce voter participation and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking ahead of the commencement of Local Council I (LCI) elections on Thursday, FDC Deputy Spokesperson Richard Muyombya, popularly known as Kalimagezi, alleged that the Electoral Commission’s decision, made in conjunction with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, was intended to suppress voter turnout.
“The Electoral Commission, working in concert with the ruling NRM government, intentionally refused to declare the Women Council election day a public holiday. This is a deliberate ploy to suppress voter turnout and rig the process,” Muyombya said.
He argued that the absence of a public holiday would make it difficult for many Ugandans, particularly women and workers, to leave their workplaces and participate fully in the elections.
The Electoral Commission has not publicly responded to the FDC’s allegations or indicated that the decision was intended to influence voter participation.
As voting for Local Council I elections gets underway ahead of the LCII polls, the FDC has urged citizens to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, describing village-level elections as the foundation of Uganda’s broader democratic system.
Muyombya called on voters to turn out early, safeguard their ballots, and ensure that the will of the electorate is respected at every polling station.
“The village vote is the first step in determining leadership at all other levels. We urge citizens not to be discouraged by the absence of a public holiday but to participate actively in the elections,” he said.
The opposition party also announced that it would deploy polling agents in areas where it has candidates to monitor voting and document any irregularities.
Uganda is holding Local Council elections across the country, with the polls seen as an important grassroots exercise that precedes higher-level local government elections.
