Presidential candidate Kasibante eyes big-margin victory
“We believe we are winning this election by a big margin, and we trust the Electoral Commission to announce the will of the people. I call upon all registered voters to fully participate in the entire electoral process.” Kasibante said.
Presidential candidate, Robert Kasibante casts his ballot at Kiwandu in Kakindu sub-county, Mityana district, on Thursday, January 15, 2025. (Credit: Luke Kagiri)
Minister Sam Mayanja voting at East ward in Mityana town council. (Credit: Luke Kagiri)
MITYANA - National Peasants Party (NPP) presidential flag bearer Robert Kasibante expressed confidence of securing a decisive victory in Uganda’s presidential election, shortly after casting his vote in Mityana district amid delayed polling and heavy security deployment.
Kasibante voted at 10:30am at Kiwande village in Kakindu Sub-county, Mityana district, using the biometric voter verification system, a system that had failed to work in parts of the country and forced polling officials elsewhere to revert to the manual voters’ register.
Speaking to journalists after voting, Kasibante said he was optimistic that Ugandans had overwhelmingly endorsed his manifesto, which he said focuses on improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
“We believe we are winning this election by a big margin, and we trust the Electoral Commission to announce the will of the people. I call upon all registered voters to fully participate in the entire electoral process.” Kasibante said.
The NPP candidate voted in a calm environment characterised by a large voter turnout and visible security presence. Accompanied by his aides, Kasibante interacted briefly with voters before leaving the polling station.
However, voting across Mityana district generally started late, with most polling stations opening at around 10am, three hours behind schedule. District Electoral Commission officials attributed the delays to the late delivery of voting materials, including biometric machines, to several polling centres.
Despite the delays, turnout remained steady as voters waited patiently for polling to begin.
Nabakooba, Mayanja cast votes
Cabinet Minister Judith Nabakooba, the ruling NRM flag bearer for the Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament seat, who cast her vote at Kalangaalo Church of Uganda Primary School in Kalangaalo Sub-county, pledged to continue advocating for the poor, particularly on land-related disputes and wrangles, which she said remain a major concern in the district.
“I will continue fighting for the vulnerable, especially on land wrangles, and ensure services are brought closer to the people,” Nabakooba said, adding that the electoral process had so far remained peaceful.
Nabakooba is contesting against the incumbent Joyce Bagaala, who is running as an independent candidate, and Proscovia Mukisa, popularly known as Nabbosa, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer.
Bagaala confident
Incumbent Mityana District Woman MP Joyce Bagaala voted at Ssaza Grounds in Mityana Municipality, expressing confidence in retaining her seat despite what she described as a tightly contested race.
“Our people are divided, and my first assignment will be to unite them. I trust the people of Mityana, and I know I am going back to Parliament.” Bagaala said.
As voting ended at 4:00pm, tallying across the district had started as security remained on alert, with voters urged to remain patient and peaceful as Uganda decides its next leaders.