Strengthening Citizens Engagement in Elections: Karamoja Leaders Review Progress
Local leaders and civil society organizations in Karamoja recently convened to assess the milestones and challenges during the implementation of Strengthening Citizens Engagement in Election (SCENE) Project.
Implemented by Riamriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja with funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) and Uganda NGO Forum, the project aims to promote peaceful and inclusive electoral processes.
Speaking during the regional dialogue on the 2026 general elections and peaceful transition which was organized by Riamriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja at Leslona Hotel in Moroto Municipality, Dorcus Angom, the Program Manager highlighted the project’s milestones and challenges noting that the SCENE project has empowered citizens to demand accountability from leaders and participate in the elections without fear.
“We have trained over 500 community leaders and conducted voter education sessions, reaching over 10,000 members of the community”.
Regional Election Officer for Karamoja, Linos Lima Okori praised the project impact saying it had enhanced voter awareness and civic engagement in Karamoja. “I believe that issues of electoral violence, misinformation, voter bribery among others will significantly reduce in 2026 general elections and there will be increased participation in the electoral process by the local community in Karamoja”.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Elly Mafunde, the OC Station Moroto wondered why politicians ‘bribe’ Police Officers manning polling stations during elections because Police Officers don’t vote but only handle law and order. “We only come in; in cases of criminal activity like violence, fights or allegations of ballot stuffing or the like. Those who complain against Police Officers should bring out evidence instead of making unfounded allegations”.
Hillary Emeu, the Assistant National Identification and Registration Officer, Moroto encouraged the local communities who have not registered for the national identification to ensure that they get registered when the exercise starts soon.
“Your national identity card confirms the fact that you are a Ugandan. We are hoping to improve on the national identity cards during the up coming mass enrolment and mass renewal because the system has now been fully digitized to meet international standards and also bring on board those who for one or another reason failed to get registered. People without hands and those whose figure prints were rejected by the machine will going forward be registered using their facial expression”, Emeu explained.
LCV Chairperson Nabilatuk District, Paul Lokol added that the project`s civic education programs have enlightened the citizens on their rights and responsibilities. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Riamriam Civil Society Network”.
The former Councillor for Nakapiripirit, Christine Longok noted that voter bribery makes the voters to elect wrong leaders.
Sophie Betty Okwir Nangiro from Moroto expressed concern that the patriarchal nature of the society discourages women from standing in the position of directly elected Members of Parliament or at the Local Council level.
“If you stand in the position of directly elected MP or Councilor, even your own husband will be decampaign you. It’s worse here in Karamoja were the society views women as not equal to men”, said noted.
Stakeholders acknowledged challenges including limited resources and geographical constraints, but expressed commitment to overcoming them and ensuring the project`s sustainability.
