4 out of 10 people I know abandon the ballot paper on the D-day. The reasons they give:

1- the elections will be rigged anyway, why should I vote?

2- I am too busy to go and cast my vote .

3- I didn’t register for elections.

From 1961 Uganda has gone through government changes by elections, war and a military coupe. In 1986, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni seized power following a five year guerrilla Bush war in luweero. From then, elections have gradually become more dramatic with the last three entirely targeted at retiring H.E Y K Museveni.

So is it true that Ugandans don’t vote? The answer to that is inconclusive, but public opinion suggests that a big portion of Ugandans don’t vote because they believe that their opinion or vote doesn’t count. (am as shocked as you are!)

Uganda is a democratic country.  It’s people are free and have rights to live in whatever way they desire. (as stated by the Constitution.)  So why would a part of this young population decide not to vote?

Is it because there has been constant claims of election rigging? A practice that sent many into protest over Milton Obote’s 1980 presidential election. When the late UPC flag bearer was announced president of Uganda , the country was drowned into a period of political strife. A then young and patriotic Museveni protested this win and opted to fight the election fraud from the bush. After a five year shed of blood and struggle, the era of pseudo-democracy was over.

Under the non – partisan democracy, a presidential poll was held in 1996 pitting incumbent Yoweri Museveni against contenders Paul Kawaga Ssemwogerere and Muhammed Mayanja. This was the first election since 1980 and the country liberator Yoweri Museveni won by a landslide. After entering a new Millennium , Museveni won the 2001 election amid claims of voter intimidation and rigging. The same claims have lingered through 2006, 2011 and now most people have drawn back from participating in a process they deem faulted.

After 30 years of one president, a group of people feel they have returned to 1980. A time when Milton Obote seemed hungry to rule Uganda for as many times as he could. Is history repeating it’s self? Do Ugandans who decide not to vote believe that the elections have a pre-slated date and results before the actual day?

Others believe Museveni is the only vision bearer and deserves to lead the pearl of Africa with steady progress. Whats your opinion? Come the 18th of February, Uganda goes to the poll another time. I say go and actually vote other than turning a deaf ear to such a significant event. Go VOTE for a fair and free election. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY