Amidst the scorching climate of Dokolo, Mzee Aloysius Atanga, a nonagenarian, exemplified the spirit of active citizenship by participating in the district’s Woman parliamentary by-election. Atanga, who is 92, relied on his wooden crutches to navigate to the Angwecibange Primary School “B” polling station, where he arrived at approximately 12:30 pm, ready to cast his vote for a candidate who would represent the interests of the vulnerable and elderly.

A police constable at the station promptly attended to Atanga, guiding him through the process of verifying his identity with a biometric machine and then providing him with a ballot. With assistance, Atanga made his way to a secluded area to mark his ballot in privacy before placing it into the ballot box, thus making his voice heard.

Atanga’s commitment to voting was a stark contrast to the numerous voters who did not appear at the 173 polling stations throughout Dokolo District. His dedication serves as a testament to his desire for a representative who would effect meaningful change for the district’s most vulnerable groups, including the elderly.

After voting, Atanga expressed his trust in his chosen candidate’s ability to deliver effective service to the people of Dokolo. The by-election, which took place on March 21, was conducted against the backdrop of Dokolo’s challenges, such as high poverty and low literacy rates, as indicated by the National Population and Housing Census of 2014.

The by-election day was largely peaceful, with only minor incidents of voter bribery and arrests reported. The turnout was low, with some polling stations like the Dokolo Progressive Secondary School and Angwecibange Primary School “C” reporting minimal voter participation by midday.

Mzee Atanga’s vote is a poignant reminder of the importance of each individual’s participation in the democratic process, regardless of age or physical challenges.