Elections in Uganda

A local candidate campaigning astride a boda-boda

The results of the presidential elections were known within 48 hours.  The incumbent president who has been in office for 25 years was re-elected again, which gives him 30 straight years by the end of his new (6th) term. 

Mobile platform (photo taken from a newspaper)

The announcement of the results was orderly since the media were informed that they should only broadcast what is released by the Electoral Commission.  I learned that after the President  was proclaimed winner many mobile phone subscribers (including some vols) got a recorded call from him thanking them for their support. 

Supporters show their numbers

It's yellow

I also learned that there are 3 more elections coming up - a few days after each other.  There is separate election for officials of the district, city, town, sub-county, parish and village representations.  

Presidential candidate Norbert Mao

Neutral color for peaceful elections

Gulu's district chairman was a presidential candidate - the first local councilor in Uganda to seek the presidency. I was privileged to be asked to take his picture in one event as I was the only one in the group with a camera.  The color of the dominant party is yellow and for me it was reminiscent of the colors of the funeral of Ninoy Aquino (1983), the Philippine People Power Revolution led by Cory Aquino (1986), and the recently concluded campaign of the new Philippine President-elect Noynoy Aquino (2010).  Colors of home indeed.

 

My daughter Mia campaigning for now President Noynoy Aquino

My Ugandan colleagues were proud to show me their thumbs with the indelible ink - proof that they exercised their right to vote.  I asked them that since they have 3 more elections immediately coming up, will a different finger be marked for each election?  They have no idea, and I will try to find out next time.

Volunteers get grounded too

Singing for free and peaceful elections

February 18, 2011 was the national elections in Uganda.  People voted for the President, and ministers of parliament, some of whom will be appointed to cabinet positions.  A few days before the elections, some organizations moved their international volunteers out of the country, while in our case, we were confined to quarters, although volunteers were free to leave the country for the duration at their own expense.

Like other foreign organizations, safety and security of volunteers are taken very seriously regardless of events or locations. Precautionary measures are advised regularly. Stock food for 5 days, don't leave your homes, use your common sense. It was good advice to stock on food because supply was limited as the supermarkets did not replenish their stocks, and they were also closing.  After the elections reality sank in.  There was short supply of many things, including fuel, and what a confinement since after the elections there was power black-out for more than 24 hours.  Election campaign was very colorful.  Each party put up their own show.  The religious also held their prayer rally.  What I noticed remarkable was before the rally began, the inter-faith religious group went to the district hall and met with the local authorities.  There was a  brief ceremony where the church and the state were united in expressing their common desire for credible elections.

This is the town's main landmark - a roundabout with 2 statues.  (I've got to find out who they are once the posters get cleared.)

What to do when you are confined to quarters with no power, no cellphones, no computer?  I don't remember, but one thing for sure..... I was bright and cheerful the morning after.