CSOs call for balanced political ground

 

 

 

Uganda is scheduled to have its general elections in 2021 and most politicians are using this year to lay ground for their ambitions.

 

However, some leaders of CSOs in Kigezi have said the current political standards in the country portray a clear image of an unbalanced ground.

 

Robert Kakuru, the executive director of Kick Corruption out Of Uganda (KICK-U), a local non governmental organisation in the area, said the suppression that was exhibited on Monday as Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi wine, the Kyadondo East legislator, launched his consultations for presidency were a signal of an intolerant system.

 

"Imagine a leader of Kyagulanyi's calibre being denied a chance to address his people. This clearly shows that the unfairness in the system is real. If we are to experience balanced politics, this should not be the case," Kakuru said.

 

Kakuru further noted that the Police is basing on the Public Order Management Act (POMA) to criminalise activities by most opposition politicians, thus denying them their constitutional rights.

 

On Monday, Police management directed district and division Police commanders (DPCs) to ensure all political meetings held in homes are dispersed.

 

According to Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, they have noticed continuous violation of the Public Order Management Act (POMA), where politicians hold illegal political meetings in their respective homes or those of their allies.

 

Enanga said commanders in various areas must ensure that any meeting involving more than three people is policed in accordance with the provision of POMA or else such gatherings should not be allowed to happen.

 

While addressing the media from their offices in Kabale on Tuesday, the KICK-U executive director, Robert Kakuru, noted that such a move by Police violates the rights of people to associate.

 

"Right from our primary education, we were told that Police is mandated to keep law and order, however, our institution so far appears partisan in their way of doing things," Kakuru said.

 

Simon Byamukama, the Let Us Save Uganda (LUSUGANDA), executive director, called for respect of the country's multi-party system expectations in the execution of duties by mostly security organs.

 

"Uganda is under multi-party governance and thus, we should not see some political parties stepped on as they try to build their structures and acquire leadership. Every party deserves the most deserving treatment, according to the constitution," he said.

 

Dorothy Kesiime, the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) programmes director for Kabale, said if political parties are hindered from conducting their activities, it will discourage potential leaders from trying their luck.