Vote counting has kicked off in several parts of Uganda following the Election that encountered a lot of delays in some areas
Uganda Electoral Commission had to extend voting deadline after delays were experienced in many polling stations in some districts in Uganda`s Election that took place this Thursday 18th February 2016.
Speaking to press shortly after the expiry of the set time of 4 p.m for voting, The Uganda Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Badru Kiggundu confirmed that there were indeed delays in some areas making the process of voting to delay for quite some time.
Following those delays which the Commission said were reported, the Electoral Board extended the voting exercise to 7 p.m before vote counting exercise beginning.
Earlier on, voters blamed the Electoral Body for poor plans that caused confusion and delays in many areas.
In Nakawa polling station, voters arrived at the centre as early as 5:30 a.m but unfortunately, they had to wait on lines for more than three hours before the voting exercise kicked off.
“I was here as early as 5:30 a.m ready to cast my vote but unfortunately these people have delayed, they have been very late,” lamented one voter.
“I have just voted, when I look at my watch it is exactly 8:35 a.m and it is when I have voted being the second voter, this voting exercise was supposed to start at 7 a.m sharp but you can see for yourself, they have been very late, “she added.
Some voters wondered how things could have been in up country where there were many challenges especially regarding transportation of the Electoral Commission`s staff, equipment.
Many of those who had cast the votes told West Media that they were very much willing to accept the final presidential results regardless of who the winner will be.
They appealed to Ugandans to shun violence, preach peace and unity for the better future of their nation.
“I have voted and I am very sure my candidate will win but if he doesn’t win, I will accept the results, I therefore urge everyone to be ready for any eventuality in relation to results,” said one male voter.
“In every game, there is always a winner and a lose so I expect anything and to those who contested for the presidency, I hope they will not do anything bad, the good thing all of them are family people therefore they can`t accept to put their families at risk,” said a female voter
Security was tight in all areas of Kampala as police took care of inside and outside the polling stations.
Kampala City Roads were almost empty minus the busy traffic that is normally experienced in the city on the normal days.
Those who spoke to us explained that many Ugandans had travelled up country to take part in the voting exercise.
According to the Ugandan Electoral Commission results will be announced at different levels after counting with those of the President being announced at the National Tallying Centre, which has been set up at the Mandela National Stadium in Nambole.
Final results for the presidency and declaration of the winner will be made in the next forty eight hours after finishing counting at the Mandela National Stadium by the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election who is the Electoral Commission`s Chairman Dr Badru Kiggundu.
According to the Electoral Commission of Uganda, 15, 277, 196 were registered as voter with a total of 28, 010 polling centres spread across the country.
The presidential race attracted eight contestants among them the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta who contested on National Resistance Movement, NRM, Dr Kizza Kifefe Besigye of Forum for Democratic Change, FDC, Amama Mbabazi contesting Independently on Go Forward, Abed Bwanika of Peoples Development Party, Maureen Kyalya Walube, Independent, Joseph Mabirizi, Independent, Benon Biraaro, Independent and Prof Venansius Baryamureeba also contesting on Independent.
