By Racheal N Namuli
The Uganda Police Force, in conjunction with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), today sparked panic during youth elections across numerous polling stations in Entebbe and Katabi.
The election, which saw hundreds of thousands of youths turning up despite a four-hour downpour, was overshadowed by threats, violence, and reports of irregularities. Many youths boycotted the exercise entirely, citing fear of beatings and intimidation.
At several polling stations in Katabi County, presiding officers failed to show up. In the few locations where officers arrived early, voting was concluded by 11 a.m., leaving many voters frustrated and disenfranchised.
At Abaita polling station, Jemba Jimmy, a youth aspirant from the National Unity Platform (NUP), conducted his own vote counting with the help of supporters and was ceremoniously sworn in by them, drawing jubilant celebrations from his followers.
In areas like Banga Nakiwogo, Bugonga, and Kigungu, security forces were reported to outnumber the voters. In a troubling development, students from Entebbe Comprehensive Secondary School were allegedly allowed to vote despite not being on the official register. NUP supporters were barred from entering some polling stations entirely.
Community leaders, including LC1 Chairman Sebowa Abbey of Abaita Ababiri, have called on the Electoral Commission to reorganize the elections, citing widespread misconduct and the failure of many polling stations to operate.
The situation worsened in Bendegere and Banga, where the UPDF reportedly took over the election process completely, preventing known political party affiliates from voting. Youth attempting to record the incidents were warned or stopped by armed personnel.
Witnesses reported severe beatings of anyone who protested or voiced concerns, leaving the youth community in shock and demanding accountability for what many describe as a stolen democratic exercise.
