Richard Todwong, a former presidential advisor in charge of northern Uganda is using the government official car for his election bid in breach of the electoral guidelines. Todwong was last month elected the NRM flag bearer for Nwoya county seat after resigning his job as presidential advisor.
Despite resigning his job Todwong continues using the government official car to canvas support for his 2011 election bid. The vehicle, a 4 wheel drive dark blue Toyota Prado registration number UG 1236C has been fitted with a private registration number UAG 602Q in an apparent attempt to avoid public attention.
His rival Tony Awany, in his petition to the NRM Electoral Commission also accused Todwong of using the official government car in his campaigns in breach of the electoral guidelines. Israel Kayonde, the NRM party electoral commissioner said that it is illegal for one to continue using government facilities after resigning their positions. He however added that it is up to the respective government department to enforce the rule.
When contacted, Todwong told URN that the vehicle was being processed for his personal use as part of his retirement package but this could not be independently verified.
An effort to verify the change in the registration numbers from the Uganda Revenue Authority was futile after they demanded payment of 44,000 shillings for the information.
Deogratius Masagazi, the Transport officer in the president's office said he could not readily comment on the ownership of the vehicle but promised to investigate the matter.
David Anyanzo Butti, Gulu Electoral Commission registrar says that the commission does not act on matters relating to internal party elections adding that they would only get concerned if candidates used government facilities during campaigns in the national elections.
