EC, Police ban early presidential campaigns

Sep 14, 2015

The EC chairman and police boss issued the warning while addressing presidential aspirants at the EC headquarters.


By Moses Mulondo 

The Electoral Commission (EC) chairman Dr. Badru Kiggundu and the Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura have warned that they will not allow presidential aspirants to engage in any activities like public rallies which constitute early campaigning.

The two issued the warning Monday while addressing presidential aspirants at the EC headquarters in Kampala. 

Flanked by the Attorney General Fred Ruhindi and Kaihura together with other EC commissioners, Kiggundu said, “Some aspirants are turning consultative meetings into open campaigns and rallies contrary to the law, the election roadmap as well as the guidelines issued to the aspirants by the Electoral Commission.” 

In a letter dated September 12, 2015, Kaihura said they would not allow former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi to hold any more public rally.

“Accordingly, while you can go ahead and hold town hall meetings, we cannot clear you to hold your planned public meetings in the Mayor’s gardens in Lira, in Pece Stadium, Gulu, and at the Boma grounds in Arua because that would be in violation of the Presidential Elections Act,” Kaihura said.

Kaihura was responding to Mbabazi’s letter dated September 11, 2015 in which he was notifying police about his second phase for his consultative meetings.

Mbabazi’ lawyers Fred Muwema and Severeno Twinobusingye put up a spirited fight arguing that the EC and the IGP are violating the Constitution by attempting to stop their client’s rallies.

“We are appalled at the level of partisanship you have exhibited. You are talking about early campaigning and Museveni’s posters are all-over the country and have not pulled them down.  Dr. Kiggundu we put you on notice about our intention to sue you, Sam Rwakoojo, Paul Bukenya and Jotham Taremwa.”

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});