Panic In Masaka as Polling Officers Skip Duties

The absence of polling officers at some polling stations in Masaka’s Bukoto East Constituency has sent a wave of panic among the electoral commission officers there.

The first stream of voters to arrive at Buyanja Polling station, in Buwunga sub/county braved the three hour long wait, to cast their vote, due to lack of polling officers.

Equally affected were the voters gathered at Kaseka polling station.

Polling at 15 of the 38 polling station in Bukoto East constituency was delayed for several hours because the polling officers were no where to be seen.

Yakoub Nduga, the electoral commission supervisor for Masaka was visibly panic stricken as he paced up and down looking for new people to replace the absent polling officers.

Nduga was for several minutes pondering why the polling officers failed to turn up for duty and without any communication.

He however was quick to recall a stand by team comprised mainly of people who failed the interviews for polling officers.

Nduga said he was confident that the new team would do a good work.

Polling officers are vital on Election Day within the voting center to assist voters, help maintain order and provide direction for a fair election.

Meanwhile at Kitwe a polling station, Ahmed Nsumba, the Presiding officer, used the opportunity of the delayed delivery of materials to provide last minute civic education to the voters.

Nsumba was heard explaining to the voters the voting procedures and the importance of their ballot.

But some voters saw this as wastage of time and coming a little late. Annet Nakamwesi, a farmer in Buwunga noted that Nsumba’s efforts were wastage of time because voters either know or don’t know anything as they turn up at the polling center.