Arua Municipality by-election: EC warns against violence

Aug 15, 2018

The race to replace slain Ibrahim Abiriga as the area's representative in the Parliament features a 12-strong cast, including eight people contesting as independents.

PIC: Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama. (File photo)

ARUA MUNICIPALITY BY-ELECTION


The chairperson of the Electoral Commission has warned candidates and their supporters to desist from violence in today's by-election in Arua Municipality.

Speaking ahead of the polls, Justice Simon Byabakama (pictured) told a meeting that Monday's fatal shooting was uncalled for.

Yasin Kawuma, the driver of MP Robert Kyagulanyi (Kyadondo East), was shot dead during clashes that broke out on the last day of campaings. Several other people were reported injured in the chaotic episode.

The race to replace slain Ibrahim Abiriga as the area's representative in the Parliament features a 12-strong cast, including eight people contesting as independents.

Kassiano Wadri, Jackson Atima, Robert Ejiku, Francis Nyero, Sunday Anguandia, Alfred Nyakuni, Simon Avutia and Safi Bavuga are vying for the vacant seat.

They are competing alongside NRM's Nusura Tiperu, FDC's Bruce Musema, DP's Kennedy Madira and Jaffar Alekua of JEEMA.

Voting is officially underway across the 65 polling stations of Arua Municipality.

Wadri 'had a gun'

Byabakama said the Electoral Commission is mandated to work with Police and he promised that Police would ensure security in today's election.

His response came after candidates and other members that attended the Tuesday meeting demanded to know the fate of candidate Wadri, who was still under Police custody.

The Electoral Commission boss tasked the regional Police commander of West Nile region with explaining why the independent candidate was under custody.

In response, Jonathan Musinguzi said he found Wadri in possession of a pistol.

Musinguzi said possessing a gun during such an election period and moving with it is risky, especially where the President's convoy was attacked.

He appealed to people who hold private guns and get involved into politics to hand them over for safety to avoid misusing them during an election period.

On Monday, Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said President Yoweri Museveni's motorcade was attacked by "hooligans" whom he said were supporters of Wadri.

As a result, security forces intervened to "calm down the situation".

Museveni was said to be returning from a campaign rally for the NRM flagbearer Tiperu when his convoy came under attack.

Security guaranteed

Meanwhile, on the issue of night movement and security, Musinguzi assured that security would be provided and warned those intending to bribe voters to desist from the vice.

The minister of state for internal affairs, Obiga Mario Kania, who was also tasked with explaining the shooting and killing of Bobi Wine's driver, said it is wrong to attack a head of state.

Kania assured the people that the voting process would be peaceful and warned the public to avoid violence.

Caleb Alaka, a lawyer, demanded that Government takes responsibility of the burial of the deceased and taking care of the family. He alleged that Kavuma was killed by state machinery.

He also said the lack of electricity at the tally centra at Arua Public Primary School ahead of the polls was a great concern.

MP Kaps Hassan Fungaroo of Obongi County demanded that people who move with firearms in civilian attire be clearly disclosed to the public to avoid mistaking them for criminals.

He wanted EC to declare if they can go ahead and arrest people who are in plain clothes and holding guns.

Fungaroo criticized Musinguzi, accusing him of causing violence as commander of the police in the region. He charged that Police also caused the violence in Nebbi, where journalists and some political leaders were reportedly beaten.

Avutia, one of the independent candidates, demanded that Police apologises and be open about the shooting. He said Police was not being honest by claiming it was a stray bullet that hit Bobi Wine's driver.

Samuel Lubega, who represented Wadri in the meeting, said his candidate is still in detention and his whereabouts not known. He tasked the Electoral Commission with explaining how elections can proceed when a candidate is in custody.

According to Byabakama, all the 12 candidates whose names appear on the ballot will be voted for.

 

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