Security has been heightened in Dokolo district ahead of the By-election for District Woman representative which kicks off 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 neighbouring districts of Lango, Acholi and other areas surrounding Dokolo district. The district has 14 sub counties including town councils.
Voting will take place at all the one hundred and seventy-three (173) polling stations in the district starting at 7am, and ending at 4pm.
A total number of ninety-five thousand six hundred and eighty-three (95,683) voters are registered for this by-election and Six (6) candidates are contesting for the seat which fell vacant following the death of former MP, Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal on 18th January 2024.
The candidates are: Adongo Janet Rose Elau Okello (National Resistance Movement, NRM); Ageno Harriet (National Unity Platform, NUP); Aguti Sarah (Uganda Peoples’ Congress, UPC); Akullo Esther Obot (Independent); Alwoc Austin Ogwal Rosemary (Forum for Democratic Change, FDC) and Arao Rebecca (Independent).
Ashraf Chemonges, the commanding officer representing the Inspector General of Police says that they security agencies are not taking chances for any eventualities during the polls.
Chemonges said that unlike in the past elections where suspects of election violence are arrested and detained without trial, any suspects found in conflict with the law will be paraded to court after the polls.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson yesterday tasked the Police to ensure that numberless vehicles are not seen anywhere during polls in Dokolo as it has been the case in other by- elections. “Numberless vehicles appearing in an electoral area indicates sinister motives. We want this election to be conducted in an environment that all stakeholders will appreciate,” Justice Byabakama said.