Activists demand voter civic education
Feb 03, 2011
HUMAN rights activists have urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to put more effort on civic education ahead of the February polls.
By Cecilia Okoth
HUMAN rights activists have urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to put more effort on civic education ahead of the February polls.
Among the several issues addressed concerning the current election trends, The Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET-U) felt that the element of civic education had been left out.
“Most of us do not know the security features that show that a given ballot paper is genuine or not and this is because the commission has not sensitised us,†Peter Magelah, the project officer of law reform (HURINET-U), said.
Magelah said the EC had abandoned the aspect of voter education, arguing that this may result in violence and corruption during the elections.
He also said the training of community security groups in preparation for the elections has concentrated on military drills and gun handling than knowledge of human rights, elections and crime prevention.
Magelah added that unclear identification of the trainees once in the field would also make it difficult to hold them accountable. and to clearly identify their role during elections.
“Most of these groups never wear uniform and this is very questionable,†he said.
The Kiboko Squad, Kikankane, Blue Cobra, The Red Brigade, Hakuna Kuliya, Hakuna Kulala, Black Mamba, Beyi Kali, Mwoyo gwa gwanga and the Black Brigade, are some of the groups.
HURINET said the EC and the Police have done little to control the development of these groups.
HUMAN rights activists have urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to put more effort on civic education ahead of the February polls.
Among the several issues addressed concerning the current election trends, The Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET-U) felt that the element of civic education had been left out.
“Most of us do not know the security features that show that a given ballot paper is genuine or not and this is because the commission has not sensitised us,†Peter Magelah, the project officer of law reform (HURINET-U), said.
Magelah said the EC had abandoned the aspect of voter education, arguing that this may result in violence and corruption during the elections.
He also said the training of community security groups in preparation for the elections has concentrated on military drills and gun handling than knowledge of human rights, elections and crime prevention.
Magelah added that unclear identification of the trainees once in the field would also make it difficult to hold them accountable. and to clearly identify their role during elections.
“Most of these groups never wear uniform and this is very questionable,†he said.
The Kiboko Squad, Kikankane, Blue Cobra, The Red Brigade, Hakuna Kuliya, Hakuna Kulala, Black Mamba, Beyi Kali, Mwoyo gwa gwanga and the Black Brigade, are some of the groups.
HURINET said the EC and the Police have done little to control the development of these groups.