Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Forum for Women in Democracy at Mestil hotel in Nsambya, Sarah Birete, the Executive Director Center for Constitutional Governance, said security agencies have hijacked the electoral process.
Women activists want Electoral
Commission to control security operations in the ongoing campaigns ahead of the
2021 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Forum for Women in
Democracy at Mestil hotel in Nsambya, Sarah Birete, the Executive Director Center
for Constitutional Governance, said security agencies have hijacked the electoral
process.
//“Cue in: If they think…
Cue out: …SOPs for COVID,”//
Birete wondered why every opposition rally ends with teargas, beatings
and candidates being blocked from going for their scheduled meetings.
// “Cue in: Presidential candidates presented…
Cue out: … by the constitution,”//
Magret Sekajja, the former chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission asked
police and the Electoral Commission to work together.
She, however, said EC
should reserve the right to direct security on what is expected of the
candidates and not the other round like what is happening.
// “Cue in: Electoral Commission yelina…
Cue out: …bo kyebalina okukola.”//
Crispin Kaheru, an independent Election observer asked the various stakeholders
including security agencies, the Electoral Commission, the justice system, Uganda
Communications Commission and Uganda Human Rights Commission to address
the emerging issues in the campaigns of different candidates so as to ensure
peaceful, free and fair 2021 general elections.
However, the EC Spokesperson, Paul Bukenya told URN in a phone
interview that security agencies are there to ensure candidates comply with the
standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He
said there wouldn’t any issues if the candidates and their supporters run their campaigns
in accordance with the EC guidelines.
.
Cynthia Ruth Naggayi
Freelancer