In the midst of a heatwave, Mzee Aloysius Atanga, a 92-year-old resident of Dokolo, Uganda, demonstrated his commitment to democracy by voting in the district’s Woman parliamentary by-election. Despite his advanced age and the need for crutches, Atanga made his way to the polling station with a clear purpose: to elect a representative who would advocate for the needs of the vulnerable and elderly.

Arriving at Angwecibange Primary School “B” polling station around midday, Atanga was promptly assisted by a police officer, who guided him through the verification process. After marking his ballot in the privacy of a designated area, he confidently placed it in the ballot box, fulfilling his civic duty.

Atanga’s participation stood in stark contrast to the hundreds of voters who did not turn up at the 173 polling stations across Dokolo District. His dedication to vote reflects his desire for a leader who will bring about positive change for those in dire need, including the elderly.

After casting his vote, Atanga expressed his belief in his chosen candidate’s ability to deliver effective service to the people of Dokolo. This by-election, he hoped, would be a turning point for the district, which faces challenges such as high poverty and low literacy rates, as highlighted by the National Population and Housing Census of 2014.

The by-election on March 21 was largely peaceful, despite a few incidents of voter bribery and the arrest of opposition leaders. The turnout was low, with many polling stations reporting a fraction of voters participating. Leaders like FDC’s Patrick Oboi Amuriat and UPC’s Maxwell Akora noted the low turnout and disorganization at some stations, emphasizing the need for better voter mobilization.

Mzee Atanga’s vote is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of each citizen’s participation in shaping the future of their community.