More youth turned up to vote - observers

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Observers at Mukarazi Technical Site, Zzana-Bunamwaya Cell, Ssebagabo-Makindye Municipality observed a change compared to the previous general elections. This time round, more youth turned up in large numbers to vote. 

The observation was made by different people involved in the election exercise at this polling station with about 1000 voters. 

Julius Mutekanga, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) area chairman who was at the polling station as early as 6am noted that the youth turn up was above 60%. 

"The youth turned up in big numbers to vote accounting for 62%, followed by women, the elderly and then men.  This is because the electoral commission and non-governmental organizations have done a great job in educating and sensitizing people about the importance of voting," said Mutekanga.

A lady casts her vote at the Nasuti polling station in Mukono District. AFP Photo

"More youth have also picked interest in the politics of this country, are fully participating in politics contesting for different political offices. If the trend remains like this, in the next two decades, the elderly will no longer be in the politics of this nation but the youth. This is because of the efforts of NRM which encourages the youth to seek for political will" he added. 

Yusuf Kayigwa, chairman, Zzana Cell also agreed with Mutekanga saying "I have been voting from this same place for many years, but this is the very first time to see many youth turn up in big numbers to vote.  This is probably because, many of them are educated, are aware about their right to vote and know the value of their vote towards contributing to the development of their country," said Kayigwa. 

Youth speak out 

Alex Mbuga, 19, senior four drop out who turned up to vote said he came to vote because he wants change and hopes that when the candidate of his choice wins, he or she will address the problem of unemployment among the youth, standards of education should be improved as well as teachers' salaries so that they have the morale to teach learners. 

Solomon Wasswa, 30, self employed businessman and resident of Zzana said the youth in Uganda are very troubled, they face many challenges including unemployment, the economy is not performing well, which does not favour the growth of their businesses, and therefore youth are voting with hope that the situation changes. 

Winfred Ddamulira, 28, also resident of Zzana said that the youth feel they have been oppressed for a long time, therefore feel it is time to stand out and have their voices heard through voting for leaders of their choice. 

She attributed the big turn up of youth to different presidential candidates who through their campaigns encouraged every Ugandan of voting age, especially youth to go out and vote. 

Security and time 

Just like most places in and around Kampala where voting materials were delivered late, the situation was the same at this polling station. 

Mary Desire Zawedde, aspiring councillor, LC3, Bunamwaya A, who is also a presiding officer at the station said the voting materials came in a bit late. They were delivered at 9am and voting started at thirty minutes later and by time New Vision visited the station, everything was going on smoothly. 

Milton Malema, the police officer in charge of the station said security was good, people turned up in big numbers to vote and there was not any form of chaos or violence.