City Young Adults Turn Up in Large Numbers to Vote

Youths have turned up in large numbers to vote for their presidential and parliamentary candidates in different parts of the city. In Kawempe North Constituency, many flocked polling stations as early as 6:30 am but were delayed by the Electoral Commission that delivered voting materials late.    

Rashid Kasadha, 35 years, one of the youths who voted says no Ugandan should abscond their duty to vote and that is why he came in early to vote for his candidates. He says when one doesn't vote, they lose the moral authority to hold leaders accountable. 

//Cue in; “Okulonda buvunanyizibwa…

Cue out…nti alonda.”// 

Shamim Malende, a contestant on the National Unity Platform-NUP card for Kampala Woman Member of Parliament says the youth have heard the call to rise and determine their leadership for the next five years.

Malende, who voted from Homisdallen Primary School in Kyebando is however concerned that some youth might not be able to vote because of the long queues. She asked them to hang in there and decide on their next leadership.    

//Cue in; “People have turned…

Cue out…on very well.”//   

Guweddeko Dennis says he got at City Hill polling station in Kisasi at 9 am and was able to vote by 10 am. He says he wants to participate in electing his leaders which is why he came. Guweddeko is however disappointed that the Electoral Commission couldn't deliver materials on time.  

//Cue in; “I don’t Know…

Cue out…time to vote.”//

David Sebbaale a youth voter in Mbogo says they are determined to vote and take power to the youths.

“We want a president who is going to contribute to our growth, not to take away from us,” said Sebbaale. “We need one who is young like us. We are not moved by the presence of the army.” 

Haruna Kayemba 58, doesn't remember any election he has participated in with such a high turn-up of youths. He thinks awareness among the youths has grown to high levels. He also observed that the youths, although thought to be violent, had kept the peace. Kayemba says although the campaigns were scientific with limited movement, the turn-up is higher than ever. 

 //Cue in; “Twakedde kuba baatugambye…

Cue out…bakyaagadde okulonda.”//     

Ssaka Kateregga says he had to vote to help the youths achieve their goal of getting change. He says since this is a generation of youths, they have decided to add their vote to that if youths seeking change.

//Cue in; “Era okusinziira…

Cur out…ekigendererwa kyaffe.”//    

Benalita Nabisaalu, who is in her 40s also cast her vote but says it was unfortunate the materials came in late. She is happy she was able to cast her vote after more than three hours of waiting.