EC Sets February 4 for Postponed Fort Portal City Women Councillor Elections

The Electoral Commission has scheduled February 4 as the new date for the postponed City Women Councillor elections in Fort Portal.

Isaac Byamugisha, the Fort Portal City Returning Officer, confirmed the development, noting that the Commission has finalised arrangements to conduct the polls in the affected wards following a ballot paper mix-up.

The elections, initially slated for January 27, were suspended in several wards after serious errors were discovered on ballot papers. Candidates’ names had been mixed up, some polling stations received no ballot papers, and those meant for Central Division were mistakenly delivered to North Division, and vice versa.

The positions affected include City Women Councillor seats for Fort Portal Central Division West, North Division Upper, and Central Division South.

In North Division, the impacted wards are Karago, Kazingo, Kiguma, Ibonde, Kitarasa, Nyakitojo, Kitaka, and Mandako. Meanwhile, the Central Division wards affected are Kagote, Kibimba, Nyabukara, Rwengoma, Bazaar, Kasusu, and Kijanju.

Byamugisha said the Commission has since corrected the errors and that the appropriate ballot papers will be delivered ahead of polling day. He urged voters in the affected areas to turn up in large numbers and exercise their democratic right.

However, the postponement has sparked concern among candidates, who cite increased campaign costs, challenges in mobilising voters, and limited communication from the Commission.

One of the affected candidates, Yusta Kempeta, expressed fears that voter turnout could be low since the rescheduled election will be the only poll taking place on that date.

Another candidate, Traxier Komuntale, called on the Electoral Commission to compensate those affected for the time and financial resources lost due to the administrative error.

Meanwhile, Janice Mwinganiza, a voter from Rwengoma Ward, said she is uncertain whether she will be able to cast her vote because of work commitments. The Commission hopes the corrected process will restore confidence and ensure a smooth election in the affected wards.