Politicians warned against provoking Police

POLITICS

The police spokesperson for Kiira region Hajji Abbey Moiti Ngako has asked candidates of the various political posts in the 2021 general elections to promote safety by avoiding violence.

He urged them to always operate within the Public Order and Management Act by informing the Police of their campaign meetings as well as respecting other people including competitors.

"We expect you to respect the law and everybody else, give security time to do their work without confrontation," he said while addressing candidates for the various positions in Jinja city during a dialogue on Thursday.

Ngako stressed that as candidates, they ought to be exemplary by observing all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid spread of the corona virus disease in the communities.

"As a candidate, your supporters will always emulate you. If you are unruly they will do the same so endeavor to control them and their actions for a peaceful campaign," he said.

According to Ngako, politicians will also have to adjust to campaign meetings from the usual rallies, observe the curfew time while each meeting venue must have only the permitted number of people with hand washing facilities, temperature guns and sanitizers among other requirements.

During the one day dialogue organized by Centre for Women in Governance (CEWIGO) at Bilkon Hotel in Jinja city, candidates complained about corruption tendencies by certain election officers who they said call them demanding for bribes.

Julius Kayiira, a candidate for Jinja city councillorship from Walukuba/Masese division wondered how ballot papers get into the hands of unauthorized people who then tick them in favour of certain candidates before stuffing them into ballot boxes.

The Jinja city returning officer, Jennifer Kyobutungi said the electoral commission does not condone fraud.  She said the public should report  to the authority incase anyone tried to solicit for bribes or engage in electoral malpractices.

She asked participants in the upcoming campaigns and elections to observe the ministry of health guidelines to combat the spread of the corona virus.