Church deploys over 800 election observers

Feb 17, 2016

UJCC has called upon Ugandans to respect the choice of the majority, by accepting the results of the elections

The church under its umbrella body, the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has deployed 863 election observers across the country, to monitor Thursday's general elections.

Announcing the deployment on Wednesday at UJCC offices in Nsambya, the chairperson of the UJCC national election steering committee Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira said out of the 863 observers, 112 are district coordinators, 37 national observers and 696 poll watchers.

"All these teams of dedicated men and women have been tasked to provide election observation secretariat with information on how events will unfold in various constituencies," said Rev. Kityo Luwalira

The Bishop of Namirembe diocese, noted that the secretariat had also established a situation room which will be used as a centre for collecting, collating and consolidating information from different parts of the country.

UJCC has however called upon Ugandans to respect the choice of the majority, by accepting the results of the elections.

"Please remember that as the race goes on, it is only one candidate who will receive the crown. You therefore need to appreciate the voice of the majority," Luwalira said.

Luwalira also appealed to different candidates to respect the results as announced by the Electoral Commission, by remaining peaceful adding that the aggrieved candidates should seek redress in courts of law than resorting to violence.

The church also urged Ugandans to desist from any form of violence which can lead to disastrous outcomes.

"Uganda is our common home and we shall all continue living together even after elections. Therefore make all efforts to avoid violence and distance yourself from any form of violence. Don't allow to be used to harass or intimidate others," said Fr. Rev. Fr. Silvester Arinaitwe, the executive secretary UJCC.

They urged the leadership of Electoral Commission to be faithful to their oath of office, for free and fair elections, for a peaceful Uganda.

The church appealed to the security forces to ensure law and order which they said is very critical for a peaceful election.

"Remember that life is precious and that it is our common obligation to preserve it not to destroy it. Therefore, we urge you to avoid excessive use of force," Luwalira stated. 

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