UPC warns members against standing as independents

By Andrew Ssenyonga

THE Uganda People Congress (UPC) party has warned its members against standing as independents in the 2016 general elections.

The party's National Chairman Lawrence Okae said there are some people who are secretly trying to persuade UPC's party flag bearers to stand as TDA independents, with promises of financial support for their campaigns.

"The party at this time of the electoral calendar is experiencing some form of campaign challenges. This has created room for lies and propaganda by detractors who are trying to lure our flag bearers with promises of funding for their campaigns if they crossover," he said.

He asked all party flag bearers to stay away from such people.

Okae noted that other detractors have exaggerated their role, also promising to handle the nomination process of the members, whom they are enticing to stand as TDA independents.

He said this while addressing the party's weekly press briefing at their party headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday.

"The party leadership wants to make it clear to all our flag bearers not to be cheated by such detractors. They are only trying to weaken and disorganize our party," he noted.

Okae assured members that; "The party can also sponsor your contest so please have faith in your party".

He noted that this entire period between nomination, campaigns and voting, demands a lot on the leadership of the party at various levels that requires commitment and sacrifices.

Okae also called upon all party flag bearers to pick their nomination forms from district offices of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

"This in turn will enable the party to timely process key documents required for the nomination exercise” he added.

The party also asked its flag bearers to process their tax clearance certificates from any nearest Uganda Revenue Authority office on time for their nominations to avoid any inconveniences.

"This is required for LCIII chairpersons, Mayors, LC V chairpersons and Members of Parliament," he added.

Okae also noted that the party has no presidential flag bearer and is not rallying behind any specific candidate within the race.

"This is as a result of the National Council resolution that resolved to first strengthen our party structures through grassroots structures to have a firm foundation," he said.

He stressed that this should give focus to all our party members to concentrate on setting up effective party structures and a campaign machine.