Electoral Commission members sworn in
Nov 18, 2009
THE Deputy Chief Justice, Laetitia Mukasa Kikonyogo, has urged the Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections at all times.
By Hillary Nsambu
THE Deputy Chief Justice, Laetitia Mukasa Kikonyogo, has urged the Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections at all times.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone in democratisation. The commission, like the state, when performing its functions, has to address this,†Kikonyogo said.
The Deputy Chief Justice was on Tuesday swearing in six members of the Electoral Commission at the Kampala High Court.
All the commissioners, except Justine Ahabwe Mugabi, were re-appointed for a second five-year term amid protests from the opposition.
The politicians argued that the commission should be reconstituted with adequate consultations among all political players.
Those sworn in are the chairman, Dr. Badru Kiggundu, his deputy Joseph Biribonwa, Tom Buruku, Dr Jenny Okello and Stephen Ongaria.
The term of another commissioner, Tomasi Sisye Kiryapawo, who was appointed in 2006, has not yet expired.
“Your mandate is to ensure that regular free and fair elections are held. You have to organise, conduct and supervise elections in accordance to the Constitution,†Kikonyogo emphasised.
Presidential, parliamentary and local council elections are set for 2011.
She said the members had a challenge ahead of them as Ugandans were active in the affairs of their government and guard their political rights.
Kikonyogo told the commission that their appointment was a clear manifestation of the confidence President Yoweri Museveni had in them.
She remarked that the commission members must be people of high morals and proven integrity, who possess considerable experience and competence in public affairs. She was confident that they would live up to the public expectations.
Kikonyogo also urged the members to follow the democratic principles that encourage active participation of all citizens.
She said with the Constitution guaranteeing leadership positions at all levels in the country and with the escalating political empowerment, the commission members should be extremely cautious.
THE Deputy Chief Justice, Laetitia Mukasa Kikonyogo, has urged the Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections at all times.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone in democratisation. The commission, like the state, when performing its functions, has to address this,†Kikonyogo said.
The Deputy Chief Justice was on Tuesday swearing in six members of the Electoral Commission at the Kampala High Court.
All the commissioners, except Justine Ahabwe Mugabi, were re-appointed for a second five-year term amid protests from the opposition.
The politicians argued that the commission should be reconstituted with adequate consultations among all political players.
Those sworn in are the chairman, Dr. Badru Kiggundu, his deputy Joseph Biribonwa, Tom Buruku, Dr Jenny Okello and Stephen Ongaria.
The term of another commissioner, Tomasi Sisye Kiryapawo, who was appointed in 2006, has not yet expired.
“Your mandate is to ensure that regular free and fair elections are held. You have to organise, conduct and supervise elections in accordance to the Constitution,†Kikonyogo emphasised.
Presidential, parliamentary and local council elections are set for 2011.
She said the members had a challenge ahead of them as Ugandans were active in the affairs of their government and guard their political rights.
Kikonyogo told the commission that their appointment was a clear manifestation of the confidence President Yoweri Museveni had in them.
She remarked that the commission members must be people of high morals and proven integrity, who possess considerable experience and competence in public affairs. She was confident that they would live up to the public expectations.
Kikonyogo also urged the members to follow the democratic principles that encourage active participation of all citizens.
She said with the Constitution guaranteeing leadership positions at all levels in the country and with the escalating political empowerment, the commission members should be extremely cautious.