Politicians told to remain peaceful during campaigns

ELECTIONS 2021

The former President of Rotary International, Yinka Babalola has told Politicians to remain calm as the country goes through a campaign period in preparation for general elections next year.

Babalola said Uganda has always been known for being a peaceful country therefore the country has to overcome the challenge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) due to Covid -19 during the campaigns.

Babalola said though Rotary is not directly involved in politics, they offer leadership skills that can be used to manage election campaigns.

Babalola made the remarks during a press conference for Rotary International for district 9211 regarding the hosting of Rotary zone 22 institute on Monday in Kampala.

He was grateful for the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement in regard to wiping out polio in Africa though it still exists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He said, "Uganda will host the conference due to being a peaceful country with good hospitality whereby we expect it to continue being lovely and friendly to visitors".

"We are convening a meeting of 200 delegates who will get visas on arrival at Entebbe Airport without difficulty. Delegates around the world and those from zones are here to attend the meeting to share ideas" Babalola said.

The meeting is organised under the theme Peace, People and Planet.

He said the purpose of the zone Institute is to provide rotary updates and train district and club leaders .

He said due to the SOPs the event will be held by video conferencing because it will be limited space for physical attendance.

The National COVID-19 relief task force Chairman, Emmanuel Katongole said this would be the first biggest international meeting to be held in Uganda when COVID -19 is on rampage in the country and the world.