By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Voters in Kasanja, South Division, Mubende Municipality, have been cautioned by Ismael Ssegawa, a member of the National Unity Platform and aspiring MP for Mubende Municipality, to be vigilant against election bribery as the general elections approach.
Ssegawa urged the electorate to be aware of candidates who may attempt to influence their votes with money and gifts.
“Watch out. Don’t mess. Candidates are bringing the money to you very soon. Eat it because it’s yours but know your right candidate,” Ssegawa said. “I urge you not to say thank you, because it’s your taxes.”
Election bribery is a significant concern in Uganda, with many candidates using money and gifts to sway voters.
According to a report by the Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), some candidates spent up to 200 million Ugandan shillings ($57,588) on campaign expenses, including donations to churches, mosques, schools, and individual voters.
During the ruling party primaries in 2021, many candidates in 74 constituencies that were studied claimed to have spent a minimum of 200 million Ugandan shillings ($57,588) each in their campaigns.
Despite the practice being illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine, voter bribery remains prevalent.
Civil society organizations are working to educate the public about the value of their votes and monitor candidates’ spending.
Henry Muguzi Aliwaali, the national coordinator for ACFIM, attributed the prevalence of vote buying to poverty, stating that some individuals are easily swayed by large sums of money due to financial desperation.
As the elections approach, voters are encouraged to remain vigilant and make informed decisions, prioritizing the value of their votes over short-term gains.
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