IRCU calls for leveled ground as campaigns rage

ELECTION WATCH | EC | POLICE | IRCU 

"We want to see that all Presidential candidates compete favorably with a leveled ground." 

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) emphasized at their meeting with the Electoral Commission (EC) this week.

Led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the principals of IRCU engaged the electoral body on the complaints raised by the opposition in regard to the electoral process.

The other IRCU leaders included Joshua Lwere, the general overseer of the National Alliance of Pentecostal Evangelist Association, Apostle Joseph Serwadda, co-chair of the inter religious council, Sheik Mohammed Ali Waswa, the second deputy mufti of Uganda, the chairperson of IRCU  Vicar Charles Kasibante, Rev. Grace Kayiso and Rev Constantine Mbonobingi.

Bishop Lwere said; "It is our responsibility as religious leaders to speak out on behalf of political leaders.

We would like to help prevent violence, if it is to communicate to various agencies, so be it."  

Some of the issues raised by opposition leaders were denied access to campaign venues, hiking Television and radio prices among others.

Religious leaders also said the number of voters attending a rally should be based on how big the campaign venue is.

The chairman of EC Justice Simon Byabakama, said they have written to the Inspector General of Police, Martin Ochola, on the issues of blocking candidates and denying them access to their campaign venue.

In response, the spokesperson of Police, Fred Enanga said; "We know that the EC had written raising concerns on Police and security agencies.

We are aware and we acknowledge the concerns which have been raised."