Dokolo By-Election: Tight Security as Voters Head to Polls

Security has been heightened in Dokolo district as locals cast their votes today. According to the Regional Police Commander of North Kyoga, Deo Obura, each sub-county and town council in Dokolo district is manned by District Police Commanders (DPCs) drawn from the neighboring districts of Lango, Acholi, and other surrounding areas. The district comprises 14 sub-counties, including town councils.

Ashraf Chemonges, the commanding officer representing the Inspector General of Police, stated that security agencies are not taking any chances for any eventualities during the polls. Chemonges emphasized that unlike in past elections where suspects of election violence were arrested and detained without trial, any suspects found in conflict with the law will be paraded to court after the polls.

The Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, urged the Police to ensure that numberless vehicles are not seen anywhere during the polls in Dokolo, as it has been the case in other by-elections. “Numberless vehicles appearing in an electoral area indicate sinister motives. We want this election to be conducted in an environment that all stakeholders will appreciate,” Justice Byabakama said.

The Dokolo by-election follows the demise of Cecilia Atim Ogwal, one of the longest-serving MPs in the Parliament of Uganda since independence. The seat has attracted five candidates, including her daughter, Dr. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal, who is contesting under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

At exactly 10:40 am, Janet Adongo Rose Alau, the NRM flagbearer in the Dokolo Woman MP by-election, cast her vote at the Angwecibange B Polling station at Angwecibange Primary school in Dokolo Town council, Dokolo South constituency.

Shortly after voting, Adongo expressed optimism about winning today’s polls by a landslide, having garnered massive support during the campaigns. “Our mobilization has been good, despite the short time of the campaigns. But we’ve managed to traverse the whole district, and I’m optimistic victory will be on my side.”

The other candidates are Sarah Aguti Nyangkori of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, Janet Rose Adongo Elau of NRM, Dr. Esther Akullo Obot Otada, an independent, and Harriet Ageno of the National Unity Platform (NUP).