By Johnson Kanyesige
The low voter turnout in the just concluded local government elections for National Resistance Movement (NRM) has raised concerns among leaders ahead of the upcoming general elections.
During the NRM primaries in Hoima City alone, a high turnout was registered at parliamentary level while the numbers reduced during the mayoral elections. The number further reduced on Saturday during the lower local government elections where flag bearers for division councilors seats were elected.
Isreal Maniraguha, the Vice Chairperson Hoima East division blames the few voters turning up for local government elections on reduced pressure after parliamentary elections and the reluctance of aspiring candidates at these lower positions from mobilizing their supporters and voters to turn up for elections.
He adds that most candidates concentrate on asking for votes and ignore the crucial part of ensure these people move to polling stations and participate in the voting exercise.
Martin Kusemererwa who was defeated in the Bwikya ward male councilor party flag bearer elections blamed his loss on the party organizing elections on a Saturday where some of his supporters were for prayers at the Seventh Day Adventist churches in the ward.
