Wilfred Niwagaba Raises Red Flag Over Voter Registration Readiness

Kampala, Uganda – Shadow Attorney General Wilfred Niwagaba has raised concerns over the government’s readiness for voter registration, highlighting discrepancies in the number of kits required versus the number available.

Niwagaba’s concerns arose after Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi’s statement to Parliament revealed that 5,000 kits are needed for over 30,000 polling stations.

Deputy Attorney General’s report also indicated that the voter registration will occur at the parish level, involving over 10,000 parishes.

According to the Ndorwa County-East Lagislator Niwagaba, the Deputy Attorney General stated that 5,000 kits are needed to serve over 30,000 polling stations, but only 2,703 kits are available.

Niwagaba pointed out that the registration process is supposed to take place at the parish level, with over 10,000 parishes requiring coverage. However, the available kits fall short, raising questions about the government’s transparency.

“The statement is talking of registration at the Parish level, and yet we know we have over 10,000 Parishes, versus the 2,703 kits. So, actually, who is telling the truth?” Niwagaba asked.

Furthermore, Niwagaba criticized the government’s plan for technical teams to troubleshoot computer issues, noting that the number of personnel attached to the 2,700 kits is unclear.

“The statement is talking of technical teams to troubleshoot whatever comes wrong with the computers, he hasn’t mentioned how many people are attached to the 2700 kits.” Niwagaba added.

He called for the Attorney General to provide a clear statement addressing the concerns raised over the process.

As a lawyer and legislator, Niwagaba emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the voter registration process.

His concerns highlight the importance of ensuring that the government is prepared to conduct free and fair elections.