Bugisu commends EC for peaceful election exercise

Bugisu: The spokesperson of the Bugisu cultural institution Steven Masiga has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the recently concluded elections, which included presidential, parliamentary, and local council polls that ended on 4 February across the country.

Masiga, speaking on behalf of the institution, said that as a cultural organization, they were fully involved in the entire electoral process. “Firstly, we had a duty to mobilize the entire Bugisu community to participate in large numbers, which we executed with maximum effect. Secondly, we had the honor of participating in several training programs organized by the Electoral Commission,” he said.

He added that the cultural institution attended multiple meetings, beginning with allocated slots to address participants in Electoral Commission workshops held in Wash and Wills.

They spoke to over 300 participants, including returning officers, RDCs, RCCs, chief administrative officers, PWD representatives, political actors, and other stakeholders. They also took part in mock election exercises and engaged directly with parliamentary and local council candidates at City Hall.

“The Electoral Commission in Elgon indeed provided us with a platform to communicate to our people the importance of a peaceful election exercise,” Masiga emphasized.

He commended the excellent working relationship with the Electoral Commission team led by Hon. Sarah Mukwaya Bukirwa, the Regional Elections Officer in charge of the 17 districts comprising Elgon.

He also saluted the Returning Officer for Mbale City, Hon. Michael Arinaitwe, for continuously involving the cultural institution, and thanked Hon. Anna Mary Tusungwire, the Returning Officer for Mbale District.

Masiga highlighted that the cultural institution values officials who are consultative and proactive, rather than confined to their offices. “I therefore salute these officials on behalf of the Bugisu cultural institution for enabling us to preach a message of culture and peace during the general elections,” he said.

He quoted a Bakiga proverb: “Ayenga yenka, ayenka kuubi” (“He brews alone, brews badly”), noting that involving the cultural institution made the whole electoral exercise respectable and well-received by the community.

“Our people came out in large numbers because they knew we were fully involved. If we are not involved, the consequences can be dangerous,” Masiga concluded. “It is we with the whip,” he added.

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