Politics 17 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Adjumani West By-election Starts Slow Amid Low Voter Turnout
Voting in the Adjumani West by-election experienced a delayed start due to a significantly low turnout of registered voters on Wednesday morning, with many residents prioritizing work and daily activities over immediate polling. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/low-turnout-delays-adjumani-west-by-election-kickoff-5598572
The Adjumani West by-election commenced with a sluggish start on Wednesday, as many registered voters were not present at polling stations by the official opening time. Reports from various locations indicated that election officials arrived with necessary materials and presiding officers on schedule, but polling could not begin immediately as the minimum number of 10 voters required to witness the opening of ballot boxes had not yet arrived.
At polling stations like Lajopi Ginnery in Adjumani Town Council, which serves approximately 1,000 voters, only a handful had shown up by 7:00 AM. Election officials noted that many residents were reportedly at their workplaces or engaged in agricultural activities and were expected to vote later in the day. This pattern was also observed in Adropi Sub-county, where presiding officers cited work commitments as the reason for the delayed participation.
The by-election, triggered by the passing of Gen Moses Ali in July, features two candidates: James Leku Pili of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Gaspar Draga, an Independent. Draga expressed his commitment to focusing on vocational education, infrastructure, and healthcare improvements if elected, highlighting his village-to-village campaign strategy. He also voiced his hope for a free and fair electoral process.
Observations from election officials and monitors, including Uganda Human Rights Commissioner Crispin Kaheru, confirmed the slow morning turnout but noted that the voting process itself was proceeding peacefully and without issues with the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVK) machines. A notable observation was that while the NRM candidate had agents stationed at all 114 polling stations, the independent candidate lacked agents at several locations. The NRM candidate, Mr. Leku, cast his vote in Tamana Village, Adropi Sub-county, accompanied by NRM’s Director of Mobilisation, Rosemary Seninde, who suggested that low turnout is typical for by-elections and may also be influenced by internal party dynamics in Adjumani West.