Kasujja Defends Army Role In Polls

By Vision Reporters THE Electoral Commission (EC) chairman, Hajji Aziz Kasujja, yesterday defended the deployment of the UPDF during the presidential election process, saying the army acted within the law to maintain peace and security. "I wish to submit that it is lawful for the UPDF to get involved in national activities spearheaded by other organs of the state, in addition to their (UPDF) national duty to preserve and defend the territorial integrity of Uganda," the Solicitor General, Peter Kabatsi, told the Supreme Court. Kabatsi, who represents the EC in Col. Kizza Besigye's petition challenging the March 12 election, was reacting to Besigye's allegations that the army was deployed illegally to harass, arrest and intimidate his supporters and force them to vote for Museveni. Kabatsi said Article 209(c) of the Constitution requires the UPDF to foster harmony and understanding between the different armed forces and civilians. "Defending territorial integrity of Uganda includes internal cohesion. Integrity of the country cannot be preserved if UPDF stands aside and allows the internal situation to deteriorate. It must see to it that there is internal peace and security in the country." He said preserving the rights of Ugandans was another matter the UPDF should be interested in, and that it involves security of people and property. Kabatsi cited Article 212(d) of the Constitution, which says the Police operates with civilian authority, the general population and other security organs, which include UPDF. He said the army worked closely with the Police during the election. Kabatsi also denied that EC failed to prepare the national voters register as alleged by Besigye. He said the law requires EC to compile, maintain and continuously update the register. He said the register has existed since 1993. Kabatsi said the fact that Besigye was complaining that the register was displayed for only five days meant that it existed. Ends