The Electoral Commission has met with Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and National Unity Platform (NUP) party Principal over continued failure and refusal in complying with the Electoral Commission’s Guidelines for Conduct of Campaign Meetings and observance of the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures in the electoral environment.
Justice Simon Byabakama the chairperson of the commission says this has put the lives of the citizens at the risk of contracting the virus and resulting in unwarranted confrontations with Security Personnel.
In the meeting, Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu complained that his campaigns had been disrupted by the Security personnel who also blocked his radio programs, re-routed their movements, occasioned delays in reaching campaign venues and denied him accommodation in areas where they are scheduled to hold campaign meetings.
The commission asserts that implementation of the campaign guidelines should apply equally to all candidates including the incumbent.
The Commission informed the candidate that in response to his concerns raised in earlier meetings and written complaints lodged with the Commission by the NUP party, the Electoral Commission had written to Uganda Police; and a response from the Police had been received.
Mr. Simon Byabakama who is the Chairperson of the commission says the Commission will in the shortest period of time arrange for a meeting with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force, the political parties sponsoring presidential candidates as well as Independent Presidential candidates, with the view of resolving any outstanding issues concerning their campaign activities.
The Commission, however, clarified to the Candidate, that he and all other candidates were expected to follow the election guidelines and respect the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures, failure of which the Commission would take action to ensure observance of the law.
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