Police issue nomination rules

Oct 24, 2010

THE Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned that the force will penalise all persons who defy electoral laws.

By Henry Mukasa

THE Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, has warned that the force will penalise all persons who defy electoral laws.

Kayihura said provisions of the law, and guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission and the Police will be strictly implemented to ensure a smooth and secure electoral period.

Briefing the media yesterday on the guidelines for nomination of presidential candidates at Namboole stadium today, Kayihura urged candidates to cooperate with the Police to avert any possible terrorist attacks.

“We are living in the era of terrorism. We have to institute counter-terrorism measures. We are not restricting you. Freedoms are not enjoyed in the abstract,” Kayihura said.

The Police boss asked candidates to communicate venues of their rallies to the Force early to ensure that they are not infiltrated by terrorists.

“I don’t want an MP to stand in Parliament and say that Kayihura should resign, or, Police should have warned us’. After the incident, they are holier than you. I am on the record now (warning) and I am glad the press is here and focusing on me,” he explained.

Kayihura warned trouble makers “in nooks and corners”, planning to disrupt the electoral programme that the Police were aware of all their mischief. “Tuko tayali (We are ready),” he said.

Kayihura also lashed out at nominees or their agents, who have placed radio advertisements and are sending short text messages asking supporters to converge at designated places or along the roads leading to Namboole to escort their candidates.

“These advertisements are unacceptable and are irresponsible. They contravene the law. Our guidelines are based on section 10 and 13 of the Presidential Elections Act. It says a presidential nominee shall be accompanied by not more than 20 people. It doesn’t say, ‘may,’ so it’s a must,” Kayihura said.

“Every presidential candidate must respect this. You can’t be a presidential candidate when you are violating the law. Contrary to the advertisements, therefore, we don’t expect processions to Namboole,” he emphasized.

The Police boss said since today and tomorrow are working days, disruption of public life and business should be minimal.

Referring to the 56 aspirants who picked nomination forms to run for the presidency, Kayihura observed it would be chaotic if they all descended onto the city with bands of people following them.

Kayihura urged candidates to avoid the city centre, saying the Police would deploy to unsure that business is not interrupted.

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