Police collects campaign exhibits

ELECTIONS 2021

Police have sent teams of skilled officers to collect exhibits at all presidential campaign trails and venues.

On Friday, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said the move was prompted by the flouting of Electoral Commission (EC) guidelines by some candidates.

"We have dispatched evidence gathering teams to record the conduct of candidates and we will submit this to EC," Enanga said.

He explained that on several occasions, Police have been compelled to disperse illegal processions, which are a danger and could lead to contracting COVID-19.

Speaking during the security press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday, Enanga said Police have registered a mixed bag during the campaigns.

He cited the largely compliant with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures. 

These are NRM's Yoweri Museveni, independent candidate Joseph Kabuleta of the Reclaim Our Country and Kin (ROCK), FDC's Patrick Amuriat, ANT's Mugisha Muntu, DP's Norbert Mao and Nancy Kalembe (independent).

"We still have a problem with NUP. Katumba is unpredictable and reckless. He jumps out of the vehicle and runs," Enanga observed.

But NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has always maintained that his team has always adhered to the SOPs.

Kyagulanyi has always emphasised that the huge crowds at his rallies voluntarily converge to listen to his enlightening message.

The publicist re-echoed strict compliance with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures.

The first set of polls - President and Members of Parliament - are slated for January 14, 2021. Campaigns commenced on November 9, 2020, and end on January 12, 2021.

The rest of the polls will be conducted on January 18, 23, and February 1, 2021, for city/district local governments, municipality, sub county and division chairpersons and councillors. 

Govt preaches caution

On November 8, the eve of the presidential nominations, Judith Nabakooba, the minister of information, ICT and national guidance, preached caution.

Nabakooba said priority should be given to safety, and that politicking should come second.

"I urge everyone to remain alert and ensure that you do not catch the virus. Think twice before joining any campaign-related activity, everyone needs to take personal responsibility against COVID-19," Nabakooba stated.

 

The minister implored the 11 presidential candidates to incorporate the preventive message of COVID-19 in all their communications.