By Flavia Ajok
Residents of Butiaba Town Council in Buliisa District have appealed to authorities to stop UPDF soldiers undergoing training at Wantembo Barracks from voting in the upcoming LC3 Chairperson elections.
The residents argue that the soldiers, most of whom are trainees from other districts citing an example of Kisoro, Karamoja among others, are not permanent residents and should not take part in choosing local leaders.
Wiya Jik Beatrace a resident of Piida cell and Piranock Gloria of Triangle cell says local leadership should be decided by community members who understand the area’s challenges and will remain after the elections.
Alfred Urochi Lanza another resident from Piida Cell expressed concern that the large number of soldiers could influence the election outcome unfairly.
The incumbent LC3 Chairperson, Musa Asba K Awera, supported the residents’ concerns, stating that while UPDF soldiers have the right to vote for national leaders, they should not participate in local government elections.
He adds that, locals should be the ones to vote for their leader of their choice.
Awera added that if the soldiers are to vote locally, they should be assigned a separate administrative unit due to their large numbers.
Efforts to get a comment from the Buliisa District Returning Officer, Robert Kunihira, were unsuccessful by press time.
