Lucky
Stakeholders from Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have urged candidates and voters to desist from voter bribery and to strictly follow the Electoral Commission guidelines as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Rogers Kasoro, the Kabarole district Elections Officer, made the appeal during a dialogue organized by Tooro Net at Fort Breeze Hotel in Fort Portal City, where participants discussed ways of promoting peaceful and transparent electoral processes.
Kasoro, told the meeting that although the Inter-Religious Council has already discouraged fundraising events during campaign seasons, as they are often used to facilitate vote buying, churches are still carrying it out as thanksgiving occasions.
The north division female councilor, Gorreti Karungi, raised a concern of youth being manipulated by the candidates to break the laws commonly seen during election periods and asked authorities to address them early enough.
Tooro Net Executive Director, Edward Itoote, emphasized that fighting voter bribery will help citizens elect competent leaders who can drive development in their communities.
Peter Byakuyamba, the programs manager at Tooro Net, also urged security agencies to refrain from acts of violence and intimidation against political actors, saying such actions undermine government efforts to promote fairness during elections.
During the 2021 general elections, several cases of malpractice were reported, including voter bribery, violence, destruction of campaign posters, and intimidation issues that contributed to disputes and tension.
The meeting attracted youth leaders, government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, political party representatives, and civil society actors