The National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for Local Council V and mayoral seats in Rwampara District witnessed alarmingly low voter turnout on Thursday, with local leaders attributing the disinterest to lingering frustrations over the recent Woman MP election.
Rwampara District Chairperson Richard Womugasho said that the ongoing dispute in which Annah Kansiime was declared the winner but has not yet been officially gazetted has left many residents confused and disengaged.
"Many residents are still frustrated and confused about the Woman MP results. This has created apathy, and people are choosing not to participate in today's primaries," Womugasho said.
He added that the delay in confirming the winner has raised suspicion among voters and eroded confidence in the fairness of the electoral process.
The low voter turnout was evident across multiple polling stations in the district, with reports indicating that some areas recorded less than half the expected number of voters.
NRM officials on the ground acknowledged the situation and said they are monitoring it closely, urging the Electoral Commission to provide clarity on the Woman MP race to calm tensions.
With uncertainty hanging over the district's political climate, local leaders are calling for a swift resolution of the controversy to restore public trust and encourage broader participation in upcoming electoral processes.