By James Alomu

Vote protection has emerged as the central issue in the increasingly competitive Serere Woman Member of Parliament race as the district prepares for the general elections scheduled for the 15th. Across campaign rallies and community engagements, voters have consistently voiced concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, calling for strong measures to ensure that every ballot cast reflects the true choice of the electorate.

The concerns stem largely from alleged irregularities witnessed during the recent NRM party primaries. Many voters and political actors in Serere District argue that the experiences from the primaries have heightened fears of vote manipulation, prompting repeated appeals to the Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee a transparent, free, and fair election. At several rallies, electorates cautioned political players against interfering with the voting exercise, emphasizing that the people must be allowed to exercise their democratic mandate without intimidation or disruption.

Independent candidate Esther Lucy Acom, one of the contenders in the Serere Woman MP race, has been vocal on the issue of vote protection. Addressing supporters, Acom assured voters that their votes would be safe in the forthcoming election, urging them not to be discouraged by past experiences. She noted that increased vigilance and collective responsibility would play a critical role in safeguarding the electoral process.

Acom revealed that her decision to contest as an independent candidate was influenced by her participation in the NRM primaries, during which she says she witnessed irregularities. According to her, those experiences strengthened her resolve to champion transparency, accountability, and respect for the will of the voters.

The Serere Woman MP contest features seven candidates: Esther Lucy Acom, Abulo Agnes, Apolot Suzan, Akiteng Deborah, Iculet Sandra, Opol Margret Oematum, and the incumbent, Hellen Adoa. As campaigns intensify, calls for peace, professionalism, and respect for electoral laws continue to dominate the political discourse, with voters insisting that the outcome of the election must reflect their genuine choice.