Confusion, sporadic violence at polling stations mar Soroti voting

SOROTI - Confusion and isolated incidents of violence were reported at several polling stations in Soroti district during voting for local government leaders on January 22, 2026.

In Awaliwal sub-county, tension was reported at Atogwang, Amoroto, and Amasiko polling stations following disagreements among voters.

Voting continued, although agents of the Soroti district LC5 chairperson candidate, John Michael Osege, allege that they were intimidated and restricted from fully carrying out their duties at some polling stations.

According to the agents, some of them were forced out of Atogwang Polling Station at about 11:00am, an action they claim was intended to interfere with the electoral process.

Gilbert Okanyum, the area LC1 Atogwang, having finished casting his vote, said some agents walked out of the polling station alleging that they were pushed and not allowed to access the polling station.

These claims could not be independently verified by the time of filing this report. At Adamasico Polling Station, chaos erupted when a group of youths allegedly attacked polling agents.

During the incident, a vehicle belonging to John Michael Osege, registration number UAZ 434R, was vandalised. No official arrests had been reported by press time.

 Meanwhile, voter turnout remained low at Angopet Polling Centre in Gweri sub-county. By 8:00am, polling had not yet commenced after failing to meet the Electoral Commission’s requirement of at least ten voters present before voting could begin.

Four candidates contested for the Soroti District LC5 chairperson seat: John Michael Osege (independent) Bob Owiny of the NRM, Enomu Vincent (independent) and John Calvin Elenyu of the FDC.

Area chairperson Castro Okelem attributed the delay in voting to residents being engaged in early morning household activities after participating in presidential and parliamentary elections.

He also noted that some voters underestimate the importance of district chairperson elections, despite the leaders’ role in service delivery.

Speaking after casting his vote, John Michael Osege confirmed the low voter turnout as he is optimistic that he will make it as he encouraged voters to elect leaders who will represent them.

Electoral and security officials say they are monitoring the situation as voting continues across the district.