In the heart of Uganda’s Dokolo District, under the relentless blaze of the equatorial sun, stood a figure emblematic of resilience and civic responsibility. At 92 years old, Mzee Aloysius Atanga became the face of determination as he braved the scorching heatwave to cast his vote in the Dokolo District Woman parliamentary by-election on March 21. His participation was not just a personal act of will but a poignant reminder of the power of a single vote.

Atanga’s journey to the Angwecibange Primary School “B” polling station was a feat of endurance. With each step supported by wooden crutches, the nonagenarian navigated the dusty paths of Acungapenyi Cell, Central Ward in Dokolo Town Council, arriving at his destination around 12:30 pm. There, he was met with the respect due to a man of his age and experience. A Police Constable, recognizing the importance of Atanga’s presence, quickly assisted him, ensuring his identity was verified with a biometric machine before he was handed a ballot.

The act of voting was a private affair, conducted with the help of a guide who led Atanga to a secluded spot where a black basin awaited. It was here that voters could discreetly mark their choice, a process steeped in the sanctity of democracy. For Atanga, this moment was the culmination of a lifetime of witnessing his country’s tumultuous journey through independence, dictatorship, and a hard-fought return to democratic governance.

His thumbprint on the ballot paper was more than just a vote; it was a testament to his belief in the democratic process and his hope for the future. With careful movements, he placed his ballot into the box, his decision made, his duty fulfilled.

Unlike the hundreds who abstained from voting that day, Atanga’s commitment shone brightly. He voted with the intent to elect a leader who would champion the cause of Dokolo’s vulnerable and elderly—a leader who would bring about significant change and address the pressing issues facing his community.

The by-election, held amidst a backdrop of social and economic challenges, was seen as a potential turning point for the district. Dokolo, with a population exceeding 200,000, grapples with high poverty levels and low literacy rates. The National Population and Housing Census of 2014 paints a stark picture: a significant portion of the adult population is illiterate, and many households struggle to meet basic nutritional needs, with some consuming less than two meals a day.

The infrastructure, too, tells a story of need and neglect. Few households own a television, and bicycles remain the primary means of transportation for the majority. Access to information is limited, with a notable percentage of the population relying on community announcers for news, as they do not own radios.

Yet, in the face of these adversities, the by-election proceeded peacefully, marked by isolated incidents of voter bribery and the arrest of opposition leaders. The low voter turnout was a concern for many, including FDC leader Patrick Oboi Amuriat and UPC party supervisor Maxwell Akora, who noted the disorganization at several polling stations.

As the day wore on, the polling stations saw a trickle of voters, each one contributing to the democratic process. At the Dokolo Progressive Secondary School polling station, a mere fraction of the registered voters had cast their ballots by midday. At Angwecibange Primary School polling station “C”, the turnout was similarly low. Yet, at the neighboring station “B”, where Atanga made his mark, the numbers were more encouraging.

The absence of military presence allowed the exercise to unfold without intimidation, a fact that was not lost on the observers and participants alike. The peaceful conduct of the voters and the smooth progression of the day’s events were a testament to the community’s desire for change and the enduring spirit of democracy.

Mzee Aloysius Atanga’s vote was a powerful statement in a quiet setting, a ripple that joined many others to form a wave of hope for Dokolo’s future. His action on that sweltering day was a beacon, illuminating the path for others to follow, and a reminder that every vote counts, every voice matters.