Mixed Turnout as Voter Registration Begins for Village Chairpersons and Women’s Councils in Mukono

The nationwide registration of residents eligible to participate in the upcoming elections for village chairpersons and women’s councils officially commenced today, with the exercise scheduled to run for five days.

In Mukono Municipality, where teams visited several registration centres, the response from residents has been largely positive and cooperative, though turnout varied significantly across villages, highlighting both strong local support and lingering voter fatigue.

At Lweza Village in Mukono Central Division, the atmosphere at Lweza Primary School was energetic, with residents streaming in to register. One woman was notably seen ferrying fellow residents on her motorcycle to ensure they reached the centre in time.

Among those registering was Joachim Ssendi, who has served as Lweza Village Chairperson for the past four years and is now contesting for the position again after stepping down. Ssendi, a well-known local resident, is widely expected to secure victory.

Residents gathered at the centre could be heard discussing the race. Some expressed confidence that no one would challenge him, while others insisted an election would still be necessary.

Margaret Nalugga, one of the residents who spoke to this reporter, said the community had made up its mind long ago. “We cannot change even once,” she said. “Sendi has known us for a long time and has always advocated for us whenever we have problems.”

Local mobilisers said they have been urging residents not to wait until the last minute. They stressed the importance of choosing leaders who prioritise community interests over personal gain.

Ssendi thanked the Electoral Commission for organising the exercise, noting that residents had waited a long time for it. “We should elect trustworthy leaders who will protect our property and be accountable to us,” he said. He also commended officials for arriving on time.

The mood was markedly different at Kitega Village, where registration is taking place at St. Dunstan Church of Uganda. Only a handful of people were present when this reporter visited. Several aspiring candidates, including Patrick Ssegawa Muyingo, Teffe Lukeman, and former Mukono Municipality councillor Ronald Mukasa Ssenabulya, were seen registering.

The candidates expressed no ill feelings towards whoever eventually wins. “The winner should work for everyone’s position,” they said. While they appreciated the arrangements, they voiced concern over the low numbers, attributing it to voter fatigue from frequent previous elections.

They also criticised the limited number of registration officials, pointing out that some centres had only one person, which could prevent many residents from registering in time.

A similar situation prevailed at Wantoni Village, where registration is underway at St. Noah Mawagali Primary School. Village Chairperson Ssalongo Moses Nyombi acknowledged that much work remains.

“Some people are even demanding money,” he said, but assured that leaders would do everything possible to ensure full participation. He warned that anyone not registered would not be allowed to vote.

At Ham Mukasa Village, registration at the residence of Hamu Mukasa was proceeding relatively smoothly, according to Village Chairperson Ronald Kiwanuka. However, he raised alarm over reports of non-residents attempting to register in villages where they do not belong.

Kiwanuka emphasised the need for proper identification. “A person must have someone who knows them,” he said. “Anyone without a known identifier will have difficulty being registered.”

The five-day registration exercise is a critical step in preparing for grassroots leadership elections, which play a vital role in local governance and community development. Electoral officials have urged all eligible residents to participate promptly to avoid missing the opportunity.

As the registration continues across the country, authorities will be monitoring turnout and addressing logistical challenges to ensure a smooth process leading up to the polls.