EC clears Rwomushana for 2021 counsultations

Jul 01, 2020

The former resident district commissioner wants to stand on an independent ticket

The Electoral Commission (EC) has cleared the former head of political intelligence at State House, Charles Rwomushana, to start consultative meetings for his 2021 presidential bid.

EC told Rwomushana that consultations ought to be distinguished from campaigns which take the form of distributing materials, campaigns, holding rallies and meetings and canvassing for votes envisaged under section 21 and 24 of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005.

According to a recent letter signed by Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, Rwomushana is required to take into account and strictly observe the measures and guidelines put in place by the ministry of health to prevent and combat the spread of coronavirus.

Rwomushana was also told to ensure social distancing, wearing masks, and washing of hands during the consultations.

"This is, therefore, to advise that the number of persons being consulted at a given time should conform to the ministry of health guidelines on gatherings," the letter said.

On June 22, Rwomushana, through his lawyers wrote to EC notifying it of his intention to conduct consultative meetings for purposes of the forthcoming presidential election.

He said he intended to carry out nationwide consultations, prepare his manifesto and other campaign materials, raise funds for his campaigns through lawful means and convene meetings of national delegates.

He asked Byabakama to allow him start his consultative meetings and that he will notify the relevant local council authorities and police of the area where he wants to consult voters.

"Ordinarily, consultation means an exchange of views in an attempt to reach a decision. Accordingly, the identified venue, mode and manner of the consultative meeting ought to facilitate the exchange of views between the aspirant and those being consulted," EC told Rwomushana.

The former intelligence operative now joins a list of over 40 people who have notified EC of their intentions to carry out countrywide consultations ahead of the 2021 polls.

They include Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and former security minister Lt Gen (rtd) Henry Tumukunde.

'I am serious'

Rwomushana, who wants to stand on an independent ticket, poured cold water on the opinion that he wants to use this chance to gain popularity or do comedy. "My track record speaks for itself. So it's an insult to say that I can do comedy on matters of Presidency when I am among those who crafted the (1995) Constitution," he told New Vision.

"It's me and Bobi Wine who have won general elections that are not disputed," he argued. "So I want to contest for state power. We need more than 50 years to take Uganda where it was in 1980. So we need to develop consensus on ethics of Uganda because the consciousness of Uganda is almost gone," he claimed.

Who is Rwomushana

Rwomushana, who has built a profile as a fearless talk-show panelist on various radio and television stations, was born to the late Joseph Rwakinwa and Winnie Safira Tumubwine of Rukungiri district.

He went to Bugangari Primary School in Rukungiri district, Bugangari Secondary School and Mbarara High School for his O and A-levels of education, respectively. 

He later joined Makerere University where he also served as guild president from 1992 to 1993.

From Makerere, Rwomushana successfully contested for Rujumbura County in Rukungiri in the 1994 Constituent Assembly elections.

He lost the seat in 1996 elections and later President Museveni appointed him Pader resident district commissioner.

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