Ex Nigerian President Rallies Ugandans Against Violence

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has called on all political players in the country to exercise restraint in the run up to the February 18 polls.

Addressing journalists at Kampala Serena Hotel this afternoon, Obasanjo noted that the violent clashes that occurred in Kampala on Monday were unfortunate and should be avoided in order not to raise tension in the country ahead of the polls.

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The clashes occurred after Police blocked Dr. Kizza Besigye, the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party presidential candidate as he tried to head for rallies at Makerere University and Nasser Road in the city center.

 

At least one person was shot dead and 19 people injured when police used teargas and live bullets to disperse Besigye's supporters. Police also arrested over 20 people reported to have participated in the chaos.

Obasanjo, who is heading a 13-man Commonwealth Observer Mission Team to monitor the polls, says despite the violence, it should not deter Ugandans from turning up in large numbers to cast their vote on February 18.

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Earlier today, heads of international election observer missions in Uganda held a meeting, in which they expressed concern over Monday's events, warning that it could create anxiety amongst the electorate.

The observers, including Obasanjo, former Tanzanian President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, former Zambian president, Rupiah Banda and Yufnalis Okubo called for restraint  from all parties. They noted that any acts that may cause intimidation and tension would affect the peaceful conduct of the election.

They further tasked the voters to play their civic role of turning up to vote for their next leaders. The Commonwealth team is expected to assess factors affecting the credibility of the elections in line with local and international standards.