National Youth delegates demand UGX 2 Million each before voting

A standoff has ensued between Electoral commission and the 430 National Youth delegates in Arua over money. The delegates from all corners of Uganda converged at Mvara Secondary School in Arua  from yesterday to elect their national representatives to the 11th Parliament.

However, the election which is supposed to have closed at 4: 00 pm today has failed to take off as the youth delegates turned rowdy demanding that each of them is paid 2 million Shillihs before voting for the candidates.

According to election officials, each delegate is supposed to receive 530,000 Shillings as facilitation. A bitter exchange ensued between the youths, EC and security officials as all efforts to negotiate a common figure failed.

The Regional Returning Officer West Nile who is mandated to manage the elections was booed when he made efforts to calm the youths to accept the 530,000 Shillings.

According to the delegates, they have not been fed since yesterday, yet part of the money is meant to cater for their transport, accommodation and allowances. The standoff has also disrupted learning by the Senior four and sox candidates in Mvara SS.   

URN