Kampala economist Julius Okello is getting ready to have his say. The father of four plans to spend much of February the 18th with millions of other Ugandans queuing up to make his mark. His chief concern is what happens after the elections.
‘As a family we want to look at our stability. I would not want to see me running away with my family. So in other words we go for voters, we shall vote a person whom we know shall provide us security.’Julius Okello, voter
The campaigning has been vigorous – at times, bad tempered President Yoweri Museveni’s challengers include two former allies, turned arch-rivals. And all sides are worried about violence and intimidation, particularly from armed groups – near militia – that have attached themselves to the major parties. The army has said it’s sending even more soldiers onto the streets during the election. So Okello and many other voters are anxious. But determined too, that he won’t be bullied into voting for a certain candidate.
Julius Okello will be casting his vote in the forthcoming election and he believes this could be a turning point for better social service delivery to his family and the entire community. His priorities include better schooling for his children, better health care, improved roads, and water and power supplies.
Job creation too is high on the list. Most of Uganda’s young population are out of work with few prospects of finding a job. So there’s plenty riding on this vote. Ugandans want a president who can actually deliver a better life rather than someone who merely makes promises.
