Masindi registers low voter turnout in local government elections
He noted that during previous elections, voters were facilitated with transport, which has not happened during the local government polls.
Masindi: Masindi District has recorded a low voter turnout in the local government elections compared to the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary polls.
At most polling stations visited by our reporter, voter turnout remained low by Thursday midday. This contrasts sharply with the high numbers witnessed during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
At Kilanyi Health Centre II Polling Station, only 41 out of 304 registered voters had cast their ballots by midday. Kihonda Demo recorded 31 voters out of 450 registered voters, while Labbongo Gospel Outreach had 28 voters out of 194. At Kisanja Miracle Centre Church Polling Station, only 83 out of 497 registered voters had voted.
Speaking to our reporter, Evarce Kyalisiima, a voter at Kyabaswa Primary School Polling Station, attributed the low turnout to lack of transport. He noted that during previous elections, voters were facilitated with transport, which has not happened during the local government polls.
Meanwhile, Abubakr Kasangu, a resident of Kyabaswa Village who was found laying bricks, said he chose not to vote after repeatedly supporting candidates who were never declared winners despite what he described as massive support. He said he instead opted to focus on activities that could earn him a living.
Richard Byakagaba, a voter at Pakanyi Headquarters Polling Station, said some voters stayed away after their preferred candidates in the presidential and parliamentary elections lost, leading to frustration and loss of interest in the electoral process.
At Kisanja Miracle Centre Church Polling Station, Slyvia Sunday alleged that voter facilitation such as transport and allowances, which were reportedly provided during national elections, were absent in the local government elections, contributing to the low turnout.
Muzamil Bagire, a voter at Masindi Public School Polling Station, urged the government to intensify sensitization on the importance of local government leadership. He also called for the provision of transport for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, saying this could improve voter turnout.
On his part, Tom Kiweesi, an aspirant for Masindi District LCV Chairperson on NUP ticket, expressed concern over the low turnout, saying many voters were demoralized by the outcome of the previous elections.
However, he appealed to residents to actively participate in local government elections, noting that local leaders play a crucial role in service delivery.
By the time of filing this story, voting was still ongoing amid low turnout. According to Gastervus Kakaire, the Masindi District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, 88,737 voters participated in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections out of 180,603 registered voters, representing a turnout of 49.28 percent. The elections were held on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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