Masindi PWDs call for digitalization of elections

Masindi: People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Masindi District are appealing to the Electoral Commission (EC) to digitalize the voting system to enhance accessibility and promote independent participation in elections.

The call was made by Robina Katusiime, the Masindi District Female Councillor representing PWDs, during the Masindi district stakeholders’ engagement on a peaceful electoral process organized by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) in partnership with Uganda National NGO’s Forum (UNNGOF) at Country Inn Hotel on Tuesday.

Katusiime noted that visually impaired voters often rely on caretakers who may end up voting for candidates they do not prefer because they cannot see the ballot. She said digitalizing the voting process would allow blind voters to make independent and informed choices.

She also urged the EC to deploy sign language interpreters at polling stations to support deaf voters, establish a PWDs desk at the district office for easier access to services, and work with the government to provide transport for PWDs on polling day, as some polling stations are far and difficult to reach.

Presenting a citizens’ issue paper on the electoral process in Masindi, Bosco Nek, a Civic Mentor, highlighted inadequate attention to the elderly and PWDs as one of the major factors discouraging their participation in elections. He warned that such gaps may contribute to low voter turnout and even election-related violence.

Nek further noted that election violence including arrests and intimidation discourages citizens from taking part in the electoral process. He pointed out that limited civic and voter education in some communities leads to high numbers of invalid votes, wastage of resources by candidates, and poor decision-making by voters.

He added that long distances to polling stations sometimes more than three kilometres make it difficult for many people to vote in all elections. As a result, some only participate in presidential elections and skip the others.

According to Nek, some polling supervisors are unprofessional, hostile to voters, face language barriers, and in some cases lack the skills to operate election equipment, citing an incident where a supervisor was unable to operate BVK machines during the 2021 general elections. He also decried the monetization of politics, noting that voter bribery continues to influence electoral decisions.

Responding to this, Kabakumba Labwon Masiko, the Masindi District Chairperson for the NRM party, warned political aspirants against engaging in voter bribery. She said those caught risk being disqualified and prosecuted.

“If you see anyone bribing electorates, take photos and keep the evidence. Once you petition the EC, the candidate will be nullified and charged in courts of law,” she said.

At the same meeting, Sam Kajuba, the Programs Director at Kings FM, called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and journalists during elections. He noted that journalists are often harassed, intimidated, assaulted, and have their equipment confiscated, which affects their ability to report effectively.

Responding to the concerns, Abubakr Lubwama, the EC Assistant Returning Officer for Masindi District, said the Commission is planning several reforms to ease voting for PWDs.

He acknowledged that the district office currently lacks a PWDs desk but said the EC has employed several PWDs at various levels to address disability-related issues. He revealed that while a national-level PWDs desk exists, the Commission intends to establish regional and district-level PWD desks soon.

Moureen Kyomuhendo, the FOWODE Programs Officer for Masindi Branch, said they have drafted a position paper that will be shared with stakeholders including the EC, government, security agencies, NGOs, and others to ensure Uganda holds peaceful elections next year.

She said the resolutions include improving voter education, strengthening security at polling stations, and ensuring the EC declares accurate results among others.

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