Kyambogo University to host presidential nominations

The Electoral Commission (EC) has picked Kyambogo University cricket grounds as the venue for presidential nominations, set for November 2-3, ahead of the 2021 elections.

The commission has, during the previous elections, held the nominations at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Wakiso district.

However, speaking to New Vision yesterday, Paul Bukenya, the acting EC spokesperson, said the electoral body had zeroed on Kyambogo cricket grounds, saying Namboole had been booked for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

He said the commission has constituted a 35-man committee dubbed the national organising committee (NOC) to oversee the exercise.

The committee, which will be chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, brings together members from different government agencies such as the Police, Uganda Red Cross, ministries of internal affairs and foreign affairs.

"The committee is tasked with ensuring the smooth organisation and conduct of presidential nominations," Bukenya said.

He said by Tuesday, October 13, 86 people had expressed interest in standing for president, adding that some had already returned supporting requirements such as signatures ahead of their nomination.

"So far, three presidential aspirants have returned their forms to support their nomination, including President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement, who has submitted signatures from his supporters," Bukenya said.

He said other aspirants such as Gen. Henry Tumukunde (independent) and Charles Bbale of the Ecological Party of Uganda had returned their support forms. Among the requirements for nominations, Bukenya said, are 100 signatures of supporters from each of at least 98 districts of Uganda.

GUIDELINES

Unlike previous presidential nominations, Bukenya said: "Due to COVID-19, we have restricted the number of people accompanying presidential nominees to less than a dozen people and only two cars," he said.

Bukenya added that the commission had also banned processions of supporters for presidential aspirants.

He said this is in adherence to the standard operating procedures set by the health ministry to stem the spread of COVID-19.

PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS

According to EC's list of presidential aspirants, the Alliance for National Transformation has fronted Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the National Unity Platform has Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

The Forum for Democratic Change has fronted Patrick Amuriat. Democratic Party is yet to pick their presidential aspirants.