
Rwandans in Uganda Participate in Democratic Process.
Thousands of Rwandans residing in Uganda have actively taken part in their nation’s democratic process by casting their ballots in the ongoing elections. These elections involve voting for both the president and parliamentary constitution, with the central African nation’s diaspora community casting their votes on Sunday ahead of the citizens back home, who will vote on Monday and Tuesday.
Incumbent President Paul Kagame is seeking a fourth term in office, with his challengers from the last election, Frank Habineza of the Green Party and independent Phillippe Mpayimana, returning to the ballot. In the 2017 election, these challengers secured a combined total of 1.3 percent of the vote.
The voting process in Uganda was overseen by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Uganda, Colonel Joseph Rutabana. “Everyone is free to exercise their democratic right. There is no campaigning nor putting on partisan colors on this voting day,” Col Rutabana emphasized. The electoral process was meticulously grounded in fair practices, ensuring it was free from any malpractices.
The Rwandan High Commission in Uganda, located in Kitante near the Uganda National Museum, witnessed a significant influx of voters. Rwandan nationals flocked to the High Commission, eager to exercise their democratic right. The atmosphere was vibrant and charged with a sense of civic duty as voters lined up to cast their ballots for both presidential and parliamentary seats.
In a display of commitment to a free and fair electoral process, Col Rutabana and the election assessors took an oath in the presence of the voters prior to the commencement of voting. This ceremonial act was intended to assure the electorate of the impartiality and integrity of the election process. Voting commenced with Col Rutabana casting his ballot first.
According to data from the Rwandan embassy, over 10,000 Rwandans in Uganda were eligible to vote in this election. The general elections in Rwanda, scheduled for Monday, are highly anticipated as incumbent President Paul Kagame faces competition from two other candidates. The outcome of these elections is crucial, not just for the leadership but for the continued development and welfare of Rwanda.
The active participation of Rwandans in Uganda underscores the importance of the electoral process and the significant role of the diaspora in shaping the future of their country.