NRM dominates special interest group elections in Arua city

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Youths in Ayivu division, Arua city, went to the polls on Monday, August 4, 2025, to elect their leaders, with eligible voters aged 18 to 30 participating by lining up behind their preferred candidates.

Most positions at Arua Central and Ayivu divisions were uncontested, resulting in unopposed victories for National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates.

The returning officer for Arua city, Osman Ezale, attributed this trend to the absence of grassroots structures among other political parties.

“There is a possibility that most opposition parties might not have structures at lower levels or not be interested in grassroots leadership and focusing on participating in higher positions,” Ezale mentioned.

However, the position of youth chairman saw a competitive race, with Brian Asindu of the NRM winning 175 votes against independent candidate Gilbert Andima, who secured 37 votes. A total of 212 votes were cast from 309 registered voters, as announced by Terence Binega, the Electoral Commission registrar for Ayivu Division.

"Gilbert Andima got 37 votes, Brian Asindu got 175 votes, and therefore I declare Brian Asindu as the youth chairman of Ayivu division for the year 2026 to 2031,” he declared.

The election formed part of a nationwide electoral roadmap covering village, parish, sub-county, district, and national levels, aimed at strengthening grassroots representation and inclusion.

Brian Asindu expressed gratitude to the youths of Ayivu division for their trust, pledging to serve diligently for the next five years.

“The whole campaign process has been so tedious but we managed to win today with massive number of votes, I want to thank God and appreciate the electoral commission officials for conducting free and fair elections today, I as well want to thank and appreciate the young people of Ayivu division for turning up in large numbers to participate in the electoral process and voting for me, the win is not for me but for the young people of Ayivu division,” he said.

Despite the loss, Gilbert Andima congratulated Asindu and pledged his support. He emphasised unity among the youth of Ayivu East and West, and called for equitable access to opportunities.

“The first thing my colleague should do is to unite and treat both Ayivu East and West equally when there is any opportunity for the youths of Ayivu division. I believe he will take this up and work together with us. I want to pledge my full support for him,” he noted.

The process also brought to light concerns over the low participation of female youths.

Hope Perry Nyadri, an aspiring female youth councillor to Arua City Council, expressed disappointment at the poor turnout of young women and called for greater inclusion in future electoral processes.

“The participation of girls in this election was not all that good. I want to urge and appeal to the newly elected leaders right from the cell, ward and division level. Let’s involve girls in the activities of youths and decision-making processes like this so that they benefit as well,” she urged.

The results are expected to enhance youth representation and promote unity, contributing to local development and inclusive governance in Ayivu division.