ELECTORAL COMMISSION LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS REGIONAL OFFICE PROJECT IN ARUA CITY

A significant stride in bolstering the electoral infrastructure within Uganda took shape today as the Electoral Commission officially marked the commencement of a groundbreaking project. The ambitious initiative aims to construct a state-of-the-art regional office for the West Nile Electoral Commission, set to revolutionize operations in the region. 

On a bright Friday morning, the 15th of December 2023, the ceremonial spade hit the ground at the premises in Arua City, signifying the beginning of a multi-billion Ugandan shillings project. 

This four-billion-shilling endeavor, contracted by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), a UPDF company, is slated to span eight months, starting from January and concluding in September of the 2024. 

Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Uganda, elucidated that the envisioned structure is designed to house the West Nile District Electoral Commission offices, marking a substantial investment in infrastructure to bolster electoral processes in the region.

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Ronald Mulekwa, the Secretary for the Electoral Commission West Nile Region, outlined the comprehensive scope of the construction, highlighting the incorporation of offices and warehouses dedicated to storing votes before their transport to Kampala for counting, ensuring a streamlined and secure process. 

12_15 - MULEKWA ON OFFICES.mp3

Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, graced the occasion and emphasized the project's pivotal role in reducing government expenditure on renting private spaces for electoral activities. Mao further underscored the community-centric benefits of the project, emphasizing the provision of construction materials and the creation of job opportunities for the local populace through engagement in the site's workforce. 

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In a commitment to efficient project delivery, Kalsum Abdu, the Secretary for Social Services for Arua City Council, pledged the city council's vigilant oversight to ensure adherence to agreed timelines for project completion. 

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This landmark project stands as a testament to Uganda's commitment to fortifying its electoral infrastructure, with an eye toward enhancing efficiency, transparency, and community involvement. 

The construction of the regional office in Arua City not only promises to modernize electoral operations but also signifies a substantial investment in the local community's development.

As the project commences its journey from blueprint to reality, it sets forth a promising trajectory for electoral endeavors in the West Nile region, embodying a concerted effort towards fostering inclusive, efficient, and transparent electoral processes in Uganda.

BY Benzamin Matata, Dailywestnile.info