Senkubuge Refunds 2m/-

FORMER presidential candidate Charles Senkubuge has refunded sh2m to the Electoral Commission, reports Joyce Namutebi. "Senkubuge has returned the balance," a member of his task force told The New Vision yesterday. The member, who preferred anonymity, said the money was returned yesterday afternoon by Joy Matovu, one of Senkubuge's campaign managers and seconder. Commission secretary Andrew Muwonge said Senkubuge returned sh2,053,400. Each of the seven candidates had been given sh15m by the Government for the campaigns. The source said Senkubuge was irked by claims that he joined the race to get money. "At the time of nomination he had already spent sh42.3m," the source said. The source added that Senkubuge spent personal money on printing posters and other necessary materials for the campaign. Senkubuge said early this week that the commission had given him up to January 31 to account for the funds he received for his campaigns. "The commission has given me up to January 31 to give proper accountability of the funds I received and return the balance if any," he said. The dramatist, who quit the race just 10 days after nomination, also returned the two vehicles he got from the Government and 15 security guards. Senkubuge said he pulled out of the race after receiving death threats. He said he would instead contest for the parliamentary elections if his electorate asked him to do so. Each of the seven presidential candidates received a brand-new four-wheel drive Nissan Patrol and a four-wheel double-cabin pick-up truck for their campaigns. The candidates still in the race are incumbent President Museveni, Col Kizza Besigye, Aggrey Awori, Chapaa Karuhanga, Mayanja Kibirige and Bwengye. Ends