Politicians advised on peace

Political actors in the country have been urged to ensure using peaceful means in addressing challenges that have been triggered by the continued contestation of the February 18, presidential elections, by a cross section of politicians.

According to a statement issued   yesterday, by the Citizen's Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), if the political and electoral crisis is not peaceful and comprehensively addressed, it could paralysis the political, social and economic system in Uganda.

"A number of stakeholders have recognised the need for and are calling for a people to people national conversation as a platform to tackle the escalating tension in the country," read the statement.

In its statement, CCEDU noted that events such as the reported arrest of key opposition figures, incidents of police brutality on ordinary citizens, the ban on live media coverage of opposition activities in the country are a precursor to deterioration of political and security situation.

As a way forward, CCEDU called upon all stakeholders in the electoral process and the citizenry to urgently activate the national peace architecture including the elder's forum inter religious council of Uganda, the women situation room and the national consultative forum to lead the process of national dialogue.

They expressed optimism that the national dialogue   will address the root causes of the current political and electoral crisis.

"We urge the international community and regional structures to provide support for this national dialogue process,"   added CCEDU.

It stated that historically, Ugandans have consistently faced the same political and electoral challenges after each election, which CCEDU said can be avoided if challenges are solved in a peaceful manner.