West Nile municipalities, city divisions register low voter turnout

WEST NILE - Voting in Arua city’s two divisions of Arua Central and Ayivu for the Mayoral aspirants and their councillors kicked off smoothly this morning, although a low turnout of voters was recorded in most polling stations visited by our reporters.

In the West Nile subregion, the polls for Mayors and councilors are taking place in the three administrative units of Nebbi and Koboko Municipality and in Arua city.

According to data from the electoral commission, over 5,400 candidates contested for chairpersonship of municipalities and city divisions, as well as councillor seats.

A total of 325 candidates were nominated for 56 municipality and city division chairperson seats, 3,313 for 888 municipality/city division directly elected councillor positions, and 1,833 for 626 municipality/city division women's councillor slots.

In many areas, the ruling NRM party hopes to capitalise on its earlier successes in the recent parliamentary, district chairperson and councillor elections.

In Arua central division, eight candidates are eyeing the mayoral seat: Alege Wahab Issa (Independent), Andiga Jabir Khemis Abima(Independent), Avako Flavia Freda (Independent), Baguma Saidy (NRM), Kato Yasi Osman (NUP), Leti Yophas (Independent), Ocokoru Nezma(Independent) and Sennoga Omat Abdulay(FDC).

In Ayivu division, in Arua city, the incumbent Mayor Malon Avutia(NRM) was elected unopposed after the independent candidate quit the race in favour of the incumbent.

In Koboko municipality, the aspirants for the mayoral race are: Abdul Karim Swale (NUP), Tella Twaha(Independent), Mambo Muzamil (FDC), Sabino Lemeriga (Independent), and Aloro Peter Atibuni (NRM). The incumbent, Sanya Wilson, is not contesting after he contested for the Koboko Municipality parliamentary race but lost the primaries to the incumbent MP, Hon Dr. Charles Ayume, but lost.

In Nebbi municipality, it’s a tight race in the mayoral contest. The aspirants are Geoffrey Ngiriker, the incumbent, Geoffrey Thorwinyuwa(Independent), Chombe Muchek9independent), Charles Ulangi Mba on the UPC, and the only female candidate and the NRM flagbearer, Jackline Opar.

In an earlier interview with Geoffrey Thorwinyuwa, expressed concern over the low voter turnout in the LC5 elections in Nebbi and the neighbouring districts.

According to the EC roadmap, elections for the regional youth elections, national female representative for older persons and elections for the UPDF representatives to parliament shall be held on January 28, 2026.

The last election to be held is that of the National Female Youth representative to be held on February 06, 2026.