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The FDC party spokesperson displays a list of Kawempe North polling stations with over a thousand voters during a press conference at Najjanankumbi (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
Kawempe
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has challenged the Electoral Commission (EC) for failing to create additional polling stations in Kawempe North Constituency, citing concerns over voter disenfranchisement and election rigging ahead of the by-election scheduled for March 13, 2025.
Despite Kawempe having only 197 polling stations serving 53,190 registered voters, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo argued that only 30% of voters could cast their ballots within the allocated voting time if no changes were made.
The FDC, which launched its campaign in Kikaaya with its musician-turned-politician candidate, Sadaat Mukiibi, also known as Khalifa Aganaga, to replace the late Mohammad Ssegirinya, criticized the EC on Monday, warning that inadequate polling stations would lead to long queues, voter fatigue, and potential voter suppression.
"The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has been using the tactic of allocating polling stations with up to 1,000 voters, making it impossible for all of them to vote within the nine-hour period from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM before counting begins," Kikonyogo stated.
Concerns over polling station allocation
Speaking at a weekly press conference at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kikonyogo accused the EC of ignoring requests to create more polling stations, labeling it a "partisan commission" that later reports "low voter turnout" as an excuse for flawed elections.
"In Kawempe, Kisalosalo Kyebando Vocational Training Centre polling station has 1,021 registered voters. In Kikaaya, Kampala Quality Primary School (N-Z) polling station has 1,099 voters. How are these people supposed to vote within the limited time allocated by the EC?" Kikonyogo asked, citing the 2021 general elections polling list.
He also noted similar cases at: Kacungwa Ground Polling Station in Komamboga (A-Luo) – 1,002 voters and Namwandu Nkoyoyo' Home (Nal-Nas) Polling Station – 1,001 voters
FDC warns of election irregularities
Kikonyogo warned that failure to address this issue would lead to voter suppression, ballot stuffing, tampering with voter equipment, and voter bribery, which he claimed were prevalent in the 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021 general elections.
"In the 2016 elections, several polling stations with over 1,000 voters reported 100% voter turnout, particularly in Kiruhura, Kisoro, and parts of Ankole, which was statistically impossible within the stipulated nine-hour voting period," he asserted.
He proposed that polling stations should not exceed 500 voters if the NRM government was truly committed to free, fair, and accessible elections. Kikonyogo also accused the EC of strategically creating new polling stations in areas that favor certain candidates or parties, which he described as a form of election rigging.
EC responds
EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi defended the commission’s polling station allocations, emphasizing that the system was designed to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth voting process.
"The commission has set a threshold for voters per polling station, with urban areas allowing up to 1,200 voters and rural areas up to 800 voters. The allegations by the FDC are baseless," Mucunguzi stated.
He clarified that the time allocated for voting is sufficient and falls within internationally recognized standards.
Julius Mucunguzi, the head of public relations at the Electoral Commission showing how polling stations are created (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Legal basis for polling stations
According to the Electoral Commission Act, Section 12(1)(d), the EC is responsible for establishing polling stations and ensuring that each has an updated voters' roll, allowing only those listed to vote.
The EC previously released polling station lists for elections, including the 2024 election, which had 40,647 main polling stations and 328 designated for special voting. However, FDC's concerns highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in how polling stations are created and allocated.
Security forces accused of election violence
In a related development, Kikonyogo condemned acts of brutality and torture allegedly committed by security forces, including the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), during the nomination of FDC candidate Sadaat Mukiibi (Khalifa Aganaga).
"We received multiple reports of regime security operatives using drones to target opposition leaders, journalists, and supporters. Several of our members, including Councilor Edris Ngobi, Kiirya Ngobi, Moses Kavuma, Richard Mvanungi, and John Kintu, were arrested and detained at Kawempe Police Station," Kikonyogo revealed.
He also reported that: Boda boda cyclist Fredrick Kabonge was injured when the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) dispersed voters as Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle was rushed to Nsambya Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
"We, as the FDC, demand action against the errant security forces involved in these operations. The Kawempe by-election should not be militarized," he emphasized.
Call for electoral fairness
As the March 13 by-election approaches, the FDC has vowed to continue advocating for electoral transparency and fairness, urging the EC to address these concerns to ensure a free and credible electoral process.
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