Danish election posters seized

By Felix Osike
THE Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and security officials yesterday seized at Entebbe Airport posters purportedly imported by a Danish NGO for civic education but which the Government said depict intimidation of voters by the army.

The posters which bear the MS Uganda and Danish Association for International Cooperation logo were displayed to journalists at an impromptu press conference called by the Media Centre director, Robert Kabushenga, yesterday.

Kabushenga said MS Uganda which allegedly imported the posters was interfering with the electoral process in the runner up to the February 23, presidential elections.

“The relevant authorities over the weekend impounded posters imported by a Danish NGO supposedly for civic education. The organisation is not registered or accredited by the Electoral Commission to do civic education,” Kabushenga said.

Kabushenga said the consignment was declared as election materials. He did not give details on the origin of the posters and the quantity.

He said the message on the posters undermines the institutions of government and causes unnecessary mistrust and antagonism towards the Government.

“They are depicting government in a negative light and this comes only a few days to the polling day,” Kabushenga said. “They are trying to determine the outcome of the elections. It is not proper to try in a subterranean manner to engage in influencing the elections. The timing is also suspect,” he added.

On whether action would be taken against the NGO, Kabushenga replied, “The matter is with the Election Offences Squad of the CID.

“They will advise on the relevant course of action.”

One of the posters says, “No intimidation: You are free to vote for anyone but don’t blame me for the consequences of not voting for me.”

It also shows an armoured tank firing at the ballot box with additional warning, “In a democratic society, elections are conducted freely and fairly without intimidation.”

The second poster shows a bald-headed man in UPDF uniform with a pistol standing behind an Electoral Commission official who is complaining, “You make my credibility doubted.”

The third poster shows the opposition warning the rulers (the President) against driving towards a dangerous and blood-soaked pit. “It says, “Stop! There is danger ahead. But the ruler replies, “Nonsense! You are simply envious of my progress.”

Kabushenga said NGO’s should restrict their activities to what they are registered to do and stop getting involved in politics.