Agents campaign for Baryamureeba

By Joyce Namutebi                           

Presidential candidate, Prof. Venansius  Baryamureeba, has clarified that his 'campaigns are going on in all districts by my agents.'

“It's only the public rallies that have been temporally suspended for reasons already communicated,” Baryamureeba said on Tuesday.

He said he has eight campaign agents in each sub-county. “I am still working. I am still coordinating with my people,” he said on telephone when asked about his schedule.

On Sunday, Baryamureeba announced that he was having a rally in Kayunga on Monday, but called off the rallies beginning Tuesday until further notice.

The bone of contention was the “insufficient security” provided to the presidential candidates.

“I strongly believe that it is a right for every Presidential Candidate to be given a government vehicle with a VIP Driver and Bodyguard so that the government takes full responsibility for his/her security,” Baryamureeba said.

EC spokesperson, Jotham Taremwa, however, said they provided what is prescribed in the electoral laws. “We can’t give what is not provided in the law,” he said.

He explained that the law was amended and a car and the money that was being given to presidential candidates removed.

Taremwa said they had provided about 12 bodyguards to each candidate for his or her home and for the field.

Baryamureeba asserted that the security of a Presidential Candidate is the responsibility of the state and that VIP protection involves making sure that the person they’re protecting can carry out his/her normal daily routines with as little fuss as possible.

“I am strongly opposed to the government/ Electoral Commission’s refusal to give to each presidential candidate modest security comprised of two vehicles; one for the candidate and the other as the lead car.”

“This does not require any amendment to the law as Section 22(1)(a) of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 as amended provides that the Electoral Commission shall ensure that the relevant organs of the state provide during the entire campaign period protection of each presidential candidate,”  he said.

He urged his supporters to continue mobilizing support, saying he would give them updates.

He thanked all the people of Kayunga for the support shown on Monday during my campaign rallies, saying that contrary to misleading pictures being circulated by the rival camps, his rallies were well attended amidst heavy downpour.

Related to the story

Prof. Baryamureeba to run for Presidency

Baryamureeba wants presidential age limit lowered to 70

Mbabazi, Baryamureeba pick nomination forms