In pictures: SIG elections in Kapelebyong, Kaberamaido and Kalaki

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KAPELEBYONG

Unopposed candidates mark start of SIG elections in Kapelebyong

Reporting by Alfred Atwau

Elections for Special Interest Group (SIG) representatives have kicked off in Kapelebyong District, with three positions already going unopposed.

The uncontested candidates are:

• Stephen Okwii (NRM) – Male District Councilor representing Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
• Joyce Florence Isamukere (NRM) – Female District Councilor representing PWDs
• Catherine Amwato (NRM) – Female District Councilor representing Older Persons

Other races remain competitive:

• Workers’ Councilors:
• Male: David Ocen (NRM) vs. Vincent Ewalu (Independent)
  
  

Jennifer Rose Asio, a contestant for workers representative female, casting her vote at Kapelebyong district electoral commission. (Photo by Alfred Atwau)

Mary Putan, who is an NRM candidate contesting for the female workers district councilor, casting her vote at the electoral commission headquarters in Kapelebyong district. (Photo by Alfred Atwau)

Female: Mary Putan (NRM) vs. Jennifer Rose Asio (Independent)

• Youth Councilors:
• Male: John Orikoluk (NRM), Emma Okwii (NUP), Peter Okitoi (Independent)

Female: Betty Mary Apio (NRM), Betty Akol (Independent), Selina Betty Akol (Independent), Modesta Amulen (Independent)

• Older Persons: Male District Councilor: Banabas Opolot (NRM) vs. Amodoi Eugene Okoubong (Independent)

The elections are being conducted at the district Electoral Commission headquarters under tight security, with officials overseeing the process to ensure transparency and order.

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KABERAMAIDO

Workers’ candidates missing from voters register in Kaberamaido

Reporting by Michael Onyinge

A registration issue has emerged in Kaberamaido during the Special Interest Group elections, as twenty voters from the Uganda Government Allied Workers Union (UGAWU) were missing from the official voters’ list.

Among them are candidates James Eisu, the current district speaker, and Caroline Ajumo, both contesting as workers’ councilors.

Ajumo expressed her surprise:

"I am a candidate but eligible to vote for myself as I am missing in the voters register. When you are not in the register, you definitely miss out."

Eisu suggested the omission could be intentional, noting that in previous elections all union members were able to vote.

Joseph Odongo, one of the candidates for male PWDs for Kaberamaido district, while talking to some of the voters in Kaberamaido.

Caronine Ajumo, one of the candidates for female district workers councilor for Kaberamaido, as she made a call.

The District Returning Officer, Stella Koriang Modo, explained that UGAWU is a national-level union and had not organized sub-county level elections, meaning members were not automatically included as voters. She confirmed that 83 voters are participating in the workers’ council elections.

Eisu is contesting against Patrick Emolu, while Ajumo faces Esther Anyiko.

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KALAKI

Peaceful start to SIG Elections in Kalaki District

Reporting by Christine Itado

Kalaki District has reported a smooth start to its Special Interest Group elections for youth, workers, older persons, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Youth witnessing the opening of the ballot box in the presence of Samuel Agau the presiding officer. (Photo by Christine Itado)

Some of the Voters who had turned up to vote in Kalaki district. (Credit: Christine Itado)

Samuel Agau, Presiding Officer and District Registrar, said voting began peacefully across the three designated polling stations, with strong participation:

• Youth: 306 voters
• PWDs: 50 voters
• Workers: 166 voters

Candidates in the youth category include:

• Male: Denis Emiu (NRM), Noah Epetu (NUP), Mark Emeru (Independent), Emmanuel Erau (Independent)
• Female: Esther Auwo (NRM), Irene Atin (Independent)

Workers’ Councilors:

• Male: Paul Ekodu (Independent) vs. David Patrick Okello (NRM)
• Female: Jennifer Adumo (NRM) went unopposed

PWD Councilors:

• Male: Charles Emeu (NRM) vs. Joseph Emesu (Independent)
• Female: Elizabeth Adibo (NRM) went unopposed

Older Persons: All positions filled unopposed

Agau reported that the voting environment is calm, and voters confirmed that the process is peaceful and well-managed.