2021 polls: Kadaga wants early voter education

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has asked the Electoral Commission (EC), to start early voter education ahead of 2021 general elections.

This would help voters to understand their right to vote and make the right choice of leaders, she said.

Kadaga made the remarks while presiding over a post-election conference in Kampala.

"We ever miss out on our voter education. It is key in the electoral process because it guides voters on the kind of decisions they make while voting leaders. We must emphasize it. I ask the EC to accredit those responsible to start the work," she added.

Kadaga said Parliament will push for the implementation of electoral reforms before the next elections.

"This time, if government fails to act, the 10th Parliament has to move a motion because there is no enough time. We must do this early before the election process kicks off," she said.

She added: "The observers called for reforms and even the Supreme Court directed on several recommendations. I hope this will be done."

Kadaga also defended President Yoweri Museveni's move to appoint new EC team saying he acted within the existing law which gives him the mandate to appoint.

President Museveni appointed new EC commissioners headed by Justice Simon Byabakama (EC chairman) and Hajjati Aisah Lugega as the deputy chairperson. They replace Eng. Badru Kiggudu's team whose term ended on November 17.

The EC Secretary, Sam Rwakoojo said they will emphasize voter education three years before campaigns to avoid mixing it with campaigns.