Clerics ask EC to revise campaign rules

Religious leaders in Uganda have expressed worry over what they termed as sad episodes ever since the commencement of the presidential campaigns. 

In a petition to the Electoral Commission on Thursday, the clerics also proposed that the size of the campaign venue should be the one to determine the number of attendants.

The religious leaders stated that they were worried about the violation of the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic during the campaigns.

Other worries include the constant use of tear gas with its side effects on the welfare of the people and the environment plus the loss of innocent lives at campaign venues and elsewhere, and what they termed as the general atmosphere of frustration and anxiety.

"These developments are impacting directly on your image and the confidence of the electorate in the election process," a letter signed by Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and co-chair of the Council of Presidents, Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), states. 

"In these circumstances, your proactive intervention will make a great deal of difference," he says.

According to Dr. Kaziimba, following up on incidents like the denial of presidential candidates to access media houses and campaign venues and acts that cause disorientation and frustration on the presidential candidates would help build confidence and signify that the EC is truly in charge of the election process.

He suggested to the EC that continuous engagement with key stakeholders, including security agencies, the Ministry of Health and political candidates would also help ease the growing tempo and reduce tension in the electoral environment.

"Our sense is that we need to consider two critical options in order to restore a level playing field and public interest and confidence in the elections," he said.

The IRCU proposed that the capacity of a particular venue is what should determine the number of supporters that should be admitted. 

"In this case, they will be required to hand-wash, wear masks and observe social distancing," Kaziimba added.

The council also proposed that the EC and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) should secure air time on all media houses, which can be allocated equally to all political candidates for the remainder of the campaign period.

"We encourage you to be courageous and steadfast in fulfilling your constitutional mandate. We would like to assure you of our continued prayers and support towards the endeavor," Dr. Kaziimba states.