Two weeks of disrupting the campaign trail of the Go-Forward/TDA candidate Amama Mbabazi

Kabare Hospital 11.12.15

In the last ten days there been various reports on how the NRM is staging and making it harder for the Go-Forward/TDA Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi. We should by now the history that Amama Mbabazi has in the NRM and he is now contesting against his former ally Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President since 1986. Feels writing that is just a boring repeat, but doing it incased you have missed it.

We are now in the middle of the campaign trails for all the presidential candidates. Some are more in the shades and other are in the spot light. Amama Mbabazi is one out of three who the main ones are; the others are Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye. We all know that these three has history between them. But that is not what this piece about.

This piece is a timeline of actions and reports that has surfaced from the Campaign trail. There is visible bad blood between NRM and Go-Forward. It’s like the NRM and their regime fears the knowledge of Amama Mbabazi. Therefor it starts with clashes between NRM supporters and Go-Forward agents clearing the venue for a rally. There been other questionable actions that have been agents of NRM paying and ordering police to close of areas where the Go-Forward camp was supposed to hold their rallies.  

AmamaNRMElection2016

At the 5th December events during the campaign trail of Amama Mbabazi who is the TDA and Go-Forward Joint Candidate his security agents who were going to venue was maliciously attacked by NRM supporters, if that wasn’t enough election violence the police of the area stepped in support of the NRM supporters. So there were serious clashes.

At the same venue in Iganga to prove their loyalty to Amama Mbabazi there was NAADS secretariat that has deflected from NRM to Go-Forward. There initial movement indeed.

On the 6th December NRM members deflects to Go-Forward:

“Amama Mbabazi has today received a number of NRM membership cards from supporters in Buzaya, Kamuli who say have defected from the ruling party to back his ‘Go Forward’ campaign” (NBS TV, 06.12.2015).

7th December:

“Some of Gen. Henry Tumukunde’s operations to sabotage Mbabazi’s campaigns could be scaled back in December, especially as hints increase that he and others using strong-arm tactics could be listed for prosecution by the International Criminal Court or at least subjected to travel bans by certain western countries sympathetic to Mbabazi” (Kampala Express, 07.12.2015).

Amama 17.11.15 Poster

8th November – Museveni lashes out:

“President Museveni has lashed out former premier Amama Mbabazi, saying that he no longer has power over the ruling party” (WBS TV, 08.12.2015).

10th December reports from Amama Mbabazi camp was this:

“The Go Forward campaign team of independent presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi has asked the Electoral Commission (EC) to exercise its mandate and stop individuals and groups who disrupt his campaigns” (Daily Monitor, 10.12.2015).

10th December there was reports coming in that the local RDC in Kabale was paid to pay people not go to the Go-Forward Campaign in the area. The local police was going into the villages and doors to door paying the locals not to go. This money came from the NRM campaign fund and initially paid through the NRM chief Henry Tumukunde who was in charge of this smear campaign.

10th December:

“Hope Mwesigye, the Coordinator of the Go Forward campaign team in Kabale says the posters were pulled down on the orders of the Resident District Commissioner, Darius Nandinda” (88,2 Sanyu FM, 10.12.2015).

11th December this happened around the trail of Amama Mbabazi:

“Police deploy heavily at Kabale Hospital following reports that presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi is planning to visit it today. Area police insist Mbabazi has no permission to visit the health facility. The hospital gate is closed but patients are being allowed to access premises” (NBS TV, 11.12.2015).

Some more reports on the 11th:

“Shortly after Mbabazi’s arrival, the Police Officers on duty ordered for the closure of the Hospital gate and drove off leaving behind unarmed men. Mbabazi walked to the gate but couldn’t get through since it was locked” (Elgon FM 101,4, 11.12.2015).

Bahati Remmy

Third report on the 11th:

“At The Hospital.NBS TV Reporter Bahati Remmy Was Locked Up By Police In One Of The Hospital Rooms For Some Good Time But Later Released (Greenfield Radio, 11.12.2015).

Fourth Report on the 11th:

“Mbabazi started his campaigns in Kabale district yesterday and addressed several rallies in the counties of Rukiga Ndorwa and Kabale municipality where he also threatened to deal with the Kabale deputy resident district commissioner Denis Nzeirwe for blocking his supporters from attending his rallies” (93,3 KFM, 11.12.2015).

NRM response to Amama campaign:

Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “independent presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi cannot perform because he will have no members of parliament in his government.

Justine Kasule Lumumba

Addressing NRM Mukono district flag bearers at Mukono Boarding Primary School, Lumumba has scoffed at some of the presidential candidates who say they will sell off government assets like a presidential jet and cut the state house budget to reduce government expenditure, saying this can only be done through parliament’s approval. She has also threatened to expel historicals like General Kahinda Otafire who have chosen to go independent if they do not abide by the party regulations. At the same meeting Lumumba denied media reports that she received 800 billion from the party for the campaign programs. She says “that is not true because many of her staff have not been paid and many party district offices have had issues with rent since August” (93,3 KFM, 11.12.2015).

Afterthought:

This here just proves that NRM can’t handle proper campaigning of opposition. They don’t things to Joseph Mabirizi or Gen. Benon Biraaro because they are so far off as real contenders this coming 2016. There is different with Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Amama Mbabazi seems to be the villain for Mzee. Therefore he has to do everything in his power to destroy his campaign trail and make it harder to “set up shop”. NRM really fear Amama Mbabazi and it shows. That is why the Mzee and his party try at every turn to discredit or maneuver in a way that supposed to make it worse for the Go-Forward camp. Instead the aftermath of it makes them look like silly! NRM and President Museveni is not showing their democratic behavior if they have any when they pay locals to not attend and threaten them with police going door to door to keep them away from the venues. That is just wrong. The reports is not the usual that NRM pays for people attending their shows or paying boda-boda drivers to drive people to their venues of where Museveni campaigns, that is the norm after all these years. The thing that is bugging is that their paying people not to attend other candidates rallies and also does what they can to stop it, by forcing Regional District Commanders to shut down or walk door to door to stop people from going. That is not a good sign and also a breach of trust and work that the Police is supposed to do. But we all know by now how the UPF is an arm of the NRM. If you don’t then do some research!

The reports on how they act towards the Amama Mbabazi campaign trail and his Go-Forward is foul. Nothing more and nothing less.

Peace.  

Suspension of the nurses from Abim Hospital says: “No open door policy during election, period”.

Abim Hospital 2014 P2

There are sometimes you do something wise during elections like a public display and speech that makes a difference. We have today seen the release of the letter telling that the NRM-Regime feels victimizes over the pictures and stories released after the FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye visited the Abim Hospital.

The Nurses that are suspended just did their public duty to address the matter of their working place, they knew that the NRM-Regime and their elections squad wouldn’t take a step into the premises and caring about their working place. This is also a state-run institution who serves the people. And supposed to serve the people, be a place of healing the local community and have service which employee’s standard conditions to secure the health of the local public.

Abim Hospital 2014 P3

 

Reports from April 2015:

“Operational standards at Abim hospital in Abim district have sparked resentment among various groups of people in and around the district.This follows alleged increase in the number of people dying in the hospital due to poor administration and management of the hospital.Five people reportedly died from the hospital last weekend” (104.7 NENAH FM Karamoja, 21.04.2015).

Later in April:

“Abim Hospital!!! Medical and support staff at the above hospital have laid down their tools, others have resigned due to non payment of 4months salary! Someone In The Office Of CAO is messing up service delivery to the local populace!” (Karamoja Development Forum, 29.04.2015).

There is surely some missing money for not only equipment, but also ghosted monies that were supposed to go the hospital. This is looking worse for the NRM-Regime, the more I dig! But here is the letter everybody is talking about:

Disciplinary Proceedings Nurse

If you wouldn’t believe where the shattered hospital we’re there been reports of embezzled funds that could have built and reshaped the structures and equipment of the hospital. Just take a look!

Statement from Moses Byamugisha today:

“The Abim district CAO Mr Nandala Moses Kaziba who wants to dismiss the nurses over Besigye visit to Abim hospital told Public Accounts Committee sometime back that vouchers for shs900m he embezzled were eaten by termites”.

Abim Hospital 2014

Some more statements:

Former reports on the Abim Hospital:

“Besigye who was on his campaign trail in the area last week promised to have the entire health care system in Uganda overhauled once elected president. Now according to the Resident District Commissioner Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, Sh700 million has already been disbursed to facilitate renovation of this hospital. He explains that the contract has been awarded to Pearl Globe Engineering Limited and the renovation is envisaged to be complete by June next year. After renovation, the hospital is expected to have an average capacity of 1,400 for out patients and 120 admissions” (RadioCity 97FM, 09.12.2015).

What Dr. Kizza Besigye wrote on 5th December after the visit to the hospital:

“I would like to thank the people of Abim for welcoming us. Today while on the campaign trail we took some time off to visit Abim Hospital, the patients there just like in other districts live due to the mercy of God, a small medical team that is not paid well and paid on time is not motivated to work extra hours when they are needed. What we witnessed in Abim Hospital is a pure brain drain. An FDC led government believes in investing in our human capital and our pledge includes paying our medical workers well and on time”.

We can just see through the pictures and the stories coming out that the NRM isn’t looking good on this after 30 years of their rule. And that in the middle of their lovely funky wonderful stories that makes Mzee looks spotless.

The visit and stories from Abim Hospital is different than the beautiful wished stories from the NRM. Like the ones they had with the Gig Song and Bebe Cool fooling himself around on the road talking about the development and steady progress of NRM. But with the last action the Hoe Project and little goodwill they still carry dwindles even more. The nurses being suspended is just a blunt move from a regime losing grips on reality. What is next? What is the next move from the greatness and stature of the State?

Abim Hospital 10.12.15

FDC passed by and got real stories about the situation. They didn’t misuse it or put the people of the hospital in a bad place, it became a essential example of the neglect of the NRM-Regime and their systematic exploit of government institution instead of actually offering the citizens the services they need. And that hurts the citizens first and secondly the NRM has neglected to provide the service the citizens needed. This has been proven by statements and reports from last year. Together with the PAC ordeal with Nandala Moses Kaziba has taken money that was supposed to go the hospital. They have already had issues with payment and other money missing.

That the nurses get the stick for getting in the MEDIA is just foolish. Well, Kahinda Otafiire and Tamale Mirundi I am sure has some well put words to drop. Online already TVO has said his peace. FDC has gotten brownie points and the NRM has lost the media-war…

Peace.

Cleanliness in Leadership is one rare commodity in Uganda: In the cases of Beatrice A. Anywar & Nabilah N. Sempala

loyalty_151899761-thumb-380xauto-3465

We have seen deflections during the election period. That is not news. Something that is expected! Everybody changes fields for better fortune or ideology, even losing hope in the place they have been in. Get a better state of mind or have more faith in another leader. This here is about two woman who has been loyal and hard-core FDC, Pro-FDC if you want to say so. Even if Beatrice Atim Anywar have been rumored to have a close relationship with Mzee. That is kind of confirmed while NRM Presidential Flag-Bearer Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had his campaign in town. The other one which is more silent, but still showing lacking moral and party loyalty is Nabillah Nagayi Sempala. They both proved that they we’re interested in Go-Forward. They both have some kind of suction at times with NRM. If they are all true then it’s really deserves a spiteful chant. But that is for another day. I will not go into their CV’s. More just from summertime this year till today’s movement; this should be interesting enough.

NRA M7

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

“Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Nabila Sempala

Some stories on Nabillah:

“Kampala woman Member of Parliament Nabillah Nagayi Sempala has withdrawn from the race for the Secretary General position of Forum for Democratic Change party citing anomalies in the compiled list of delegates meeting in Kampala today for the FDC Delegates Conference” ( 12.06.2015, 91.0 Best FM).

2nd September Statement:

“In a perfect world politicians wouldn’t lie. But when the voters elect politicians who lie over those who tell the truth then the voters shouldn’t be surprised when they get caught being less that truthful. But in order for politicians to tell the truth, the voters are going to have to stop punishing honesty. The voters are going to have to be ready to face the truth and the hard decisions that the politicians have to face in passing fair laws that are good for the people. Some issues are tough issues and require tough choices and require a solution that is more complicated than a slogan. So when someone running for office tells you that global population is a real issue and it’s not going away on it’s own, listen!”.

NABILLAH SEMPALA Traitor

The real reason why she pulled out was so she could show support for TDA/Go-Forward candidate Amama Mbabazi as she did on 2nd November when she went away from FDC to do so (Fakebeast, 2015).

On the Nomination day of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Nabilah Sempala turned back, just a week after saying she would be behind Amama Mbabazi. She was sitting at Namboole where the Electoral Commission issued the verification on the candidature of the FDC flagbearer. Which are strange moves from the woman (Observer, 2015).

On the 3rd December she became an FDC MP candidate in Kampala today. She has really done some actions that have been questionable, but still been able to get back to the fold.

30.11.15 KItgum FDC

Some stories on Beatrice:

On 22nd September:

She said: “What is wrong with welcoming Amama Mbabazi? I even foresee beyond that. If we came into government, Museveni [safety] should be secured. The NRMs who have done bad things in this country – there should be a reconciliation [ for them], they should be forgiveness, otherwise we are going to continue being in war. That is why am giving a challenge and a burden of challenge to Dr Besigye as a founding member of this party [FDC]. If TDA has decided on another [candidate], don’t bring other issues that ‘he was in government, he did this and that’” (Observer, 2015).

On 3rd November her statement:

“I am a fighter. I fought the Mabira war and won it. I am a staunch FDC member, but I belong to an FDC that goes forward”.  She also said this: “I’m tired of being in one place stagnating. I want to move forward. All those FDC supporters who want to go forward, Amama is the man”.

Team JPAM Statement the same day:

“As proposed by Beatrice Anywar and Seconder Rosette Nsonga, Amama Mbabazi will run with the people’s flag, the go forward flag. See you at Nakivubo then, mid-day. Come one, Come all!”

On Amama Mbabazi nomination:

“Candidate JPAM’s papers already presented to the EC returning officer Eng Badru Kiggundu for scrutiny by Hon Beatrice Anywar” (88.7 Arua One FM).

She said this on 11th November:

“We Should Move As One And Not Sit Back, we As People Must Unit. Amama Came With Keys That Can Open The Doors To State House… With Mbabazi Our Votes Will Not Be Stolen, jobs For The Youth, safety Of Mothers, plus Keys To State House” (Greenfield Radio).

M7 21.11.15

Mzee states on 22nd November on the Boma Grounds at Kitgum:  

“According to the files I have looked at, the nodding disease has been contained. It was being brought by the flies from the river and we have sprayed, it has now gone down. We fought this with my daughter Anywar Beatrice but now she went to another party, we shall continue doing this without her”.

On 24th November:

“The FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said the Kitgum woman member of parliament Beatrice Anywar by act of abandoning the party presidential flag bearer Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye to support the Go Forward candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi has left the party” (Crooze FM 91.2)

On the 27th November:

“FDC electoral commission chairman, Dan Mugarura says Anywar was denied the party flag because of her hostility to the party and its presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye. She continues to canvass for votes for former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi despite the collapse of the Democratic Alliance (TDA)” (Radiocity 97FM).

On the 30th November:

“Hon. Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira bounces back to FDC in support of Kizza Besigye-Kifefe after she had publically decided to nominate Amama Mbabazi”.

On the 1st of December: “FDC  maintained that Mr Denis Okalit was the party flag bearer for the Kitgum municipality MP seat even as Ms Beatrice Anywar made last minute attempts to persuade the party to reconsider the decision” .

FDC Kitgum 02.12.15

Today:

“Beatrice Anywar, the embattled Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament has been nominated to run for Kitgum Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent” (…)”Anywar, who formerly belonged to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, promises to cooperate with the party in parliament, despite their frosty relationship at the moment” (3.12.15, Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5)

Afterthought:

We have should wonder about how long and at what reasons they sudden return to FDC and for much is their trade. I am glad that they didn’t take back Beatrice Anywar even if they gave her space at the campaign rally in Kitgum, her area. The Kampala Woman MP Nabillah Nagayi Sempala will still rally under the FDC banner and organization. Even if she has been trifling and wonder how she gets the forgiveness from the party… What is her suction for the Kampala position since Gen. Mugisha Muntu could easily done the same and given another person the post and nomination. She can’t be the only woman in Kampala who could stand for the FDC. That I doubt, though not as experienced. So that this election period turns interesting, that is for sure and the losing grip of Amama Mbabazi is showing. While FDC stay strong and relevant, at the same time NRM continue to pay for patronage like giving alcoholic’s free beer at the bar. Go-Forward lost already in few days 100 people and now two high-profile candidates. Even if Beatrice Anywar haven’t been let into the fold in FDC, she has proven she is not loyal to Amama Mbabazi either. That is something you… can think about. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Nabilah, Kidandala, Segona join Amama’ (02.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/nabilah-kidandala-segona-join-amama/

Observer – ‘Wolokoso: Nabilah dashes to be the ‘acting Winnie’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40889-wolokoso-nabilah-dashes-to-be-the-acting-winnie

Observer – ‘Besigye TDA stand selfish – Beatrice Anywar’ (22.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40017-besigye-tda-stand-selfish-beatrice-anywar

The Curious Case of Tamale Mirundi

Statehouse Quote

The former mouthpiece of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the former Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi who has ever since been sacked by the State House he has been all around media blasting and commenting on politics. This has now been seen by the Uganda Communication Committee (UCC) as a volatile and meager expression of language and profanity that the media doesn’t need. This happens only two days after he appeared on AmamaRadio. He has been on NBS TV and WBS, also certain radio station talking ever since his sacking. Let’s look a bit on the fellow mouth-piece!

Tamale Mirundi Quote of the day 101115 (2)

Some older news on the man:

In 2009 these reports came:

“FM radio campaigns by John Tamale Mirundi, encouraging squatters to attack land owners. Mirundi uses Star FM, TOP Radio and other FM stations to tell his targeted listeners: “When those land owners bring court brokers or surveyors and try to evict you, defend your selves. Be ready to use pangas (machetes), sticks and fire to get rid them.” In the last two months, mobs of bibanja holders have murdered two landlords in Bugerere county alone” (…)”As Mr. Museveni’s Presidential Press Secretary, Tamale Mirundi is widely believed by rural land squatters to be speaking on behalf of the Ugandan strong man. The emerging consensus among Buganda analysts is that president Museveni may be creating the terror because Mmengo seems to have successfully blocked his Land Act Amendment of 2009 the way they did with the his Regional Tier” (Kabaka Concern, 2009).

Here are some wonderful quotes in defense of the former chief and head of state Musveni:

“The President doesn’t have a key to State coffers. If there is extravagance, the MPs should be the ones to blame” (…)”They should tell us why they keep approving this money. And before they accuse the President of being insensitive to the needs of the people, let them come to Parliament on bicycles and cut their salaries” (…)”He must see what is going on, that is why under the Constitution he is obliged to take over the administration of a district if things are not going well” (Kiwanuka, 2011).

Also in 2011:

“Mashate’s case involves the government, so I’m not the right person to comment” (…)”“I’m not Museveni’s lawyer to know why the amount of money involved accumulate” (…)“I have to look for Museveni first before I can comment” (…)”The President’s office is not like a headmaster’s office. I am a highly trained journalist, I know you journalist what you want” (BlackStarNews, 2014).

Mirundi P1

In May 2013 Mirundi said this and did that:

“Sources have told us Mirundi was linked to Sejusa through the general’s phone call logs, which security operatives retrieved. Mirundi was reportedly asked to explain why the general was calling him regularly”. About that Mirundi said this: “They checked his (Sejusa) phone [numbers he has been dialing] and found out that I am one of the people who have been calling Tinyefuza.“I told them that ‘Yes Tinye is my friend and that I have been calling him.’ They later left” (UGO, 2013).

He said this in 2014: “spends hours… abusing members of parliament, abusing everybody and he says he is the president’s dog… the only person he spares is the president!”

When Tamale was managing The Voice newspaper over ten years ago he failed to pay his workers numbering 17. Three of them, including his cousin Felix Kyeyune, sued him and the money (Ush 5m each plus legal fees) was paid just as the bus to take Tamale to Luzira prison waited outside courtroom in Mengo, a Kampala suburb” (Odinga, 2014).

In July 2014 he said this:

“My contract ended. It is now up to the president to either renew it or not” (…)”I entered State House when I had one suit. But look at what I have achieved. The President educated me and my children in some of the best universities in Scotland” (…)”Even if my contract is not renewed, I will not complain. I can assure you that I will never attack Museveni when I am outside State House” (Lumu & Anyango, 2014).

Mirundi P2

Salary he had in the FY 2014/2015:

What did he earn during the last budget FY 2014/2015 while being a statehouse employee that was the net sum off US$ 9.846.672, and monthly salary we’re US$ 8.20.566. If I calculate this salary with exchange rate in November 2014 the UGX that would make that year’s salary: 27.078.348.000 Uganda Shillings that is if the exchange rate is on the level of 24. November 2014; when it was 2750 to one US dollar; so he we’re surely more paid then the average Ugandan in that financial year.

In April 2015:

“Mirundi reportedly singled out Kabiito for his handling of a case in which Cairo International Bank was challenging its prosecution in the Anti-Corruption court in regard to the theft of an estimated Shs 169bn meant for pensioners” (…)”Musota said Mirundi took issue with the judge’s handling of a case involving 1,000 former spies who wanted their retirement benefits worth about Shs 39bn paid. According to Musota, what angered Tamale was the judge’s rejection of an application by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) that sought to block the payments” (Kiyonga, 2015). Tamale Mirundi said this about it: “Those judges are suffering from colonialism. They think they are important but they are not important, they are just servants of the people and as long as they are corrupt, we shall talk about them” (…)”By the mere fact that they have reacted to my statements, that is an indication that I have defeated them. If they think that I’m guilty of anything, let them sentence me to death” (…)”I want Kabiito to tell me how I got his judgment [of Cairo bank] before he could read it out. I’m sure it wasn’t written by him and I have evidence to that effect. I just don’t talk without any proof”. He also laughed off the judges’ call for his firing’” (Kiyonga, 2015).

Mirundi P4

 

In May 28th 2015:

“President’s Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, has been appointed as an advisor to the cabinet of Isaabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya, the Baruuli cultural leader” (…)”Buruli chiefdom based in Nakasongola District, like Banyala chiefdom in Kayunga District, isn’t recognised by Buganda Kingdom and they have been on collusion course which has sometimes led to deadly riots” (Kaweesi, 2015).

And then he has since gone like every day said something vile on NBS as a commentator on the Campaigns and Politics. Trying to sound wise, but instead becoming a side-show and that is attacks on everybody from Bebe Cool, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Amama Mbabazi, Gilbert Bukenya and so on. The list is longer then the so called Membership register of the NRM that they said at one point they didn’t have before the NRM Primaries. Well, see why I took pieces of his history. Continue to look!

Today:

Uganda Communication Committee chairman Godfrey Mutabazi has said today after Tamale Mirundi in the recent weeks actually was on a show for AmamaRadio. Mr. Mutabazi said to the press: “The language used doesn’t deserve to be on the airwaves. The commission therefore directs you to stop broadcasting such programs with immediate effect” (…)”Some stations have written to us acknowledging the concern and promising to restrain their guest from such conduct” (NewVision, 2015).

Later today because Tamale Mirundi has a show on Radio Star 87,5 FM have been switched off or taken cutting their sender after the report and statement from UCC. The transmitter from the station has to be muted as a reaction to the UCC threat earlier.  

He must have said something profane and vile that makes UCC react like this. We all know that he have after being fired… spoken wildly on every political topic on every format possible in country. They must be listening to you “mute” since July and since he dropped his wit on certain newly founded opposition campaign radio-station AmamaRadio. AmamaRadio the lamest name for a radio; where he must has said something hurtful spiteful crap that is more hunting then calling a political person a walking coffin or Museveni all-of-sudden is not the revolutionary mind that Tamale Mirundi always have claimed. Right?

An UCC has made Uganda and its ruling party and its leadership proud! Yep. The all-time and lifelong legacy of the President Museveni; I am sure the UCC is as afraid of somebody as the Electoral Commission is at the point. We have seen Kiggundu recently act upon Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Mutabazi acting as an arm of the NRM. Not surprising, it’s expected, right?

Peace.   

Reference:

Committee on Presidential Affairs Meets the Office of the Precidency – (19.03.2014)

BlackStarNews – ‘U.K. Court Says Publisher’s Multi-million Dollar Case Against Gen. Museveni Still Active’ (27.11.2011) link: http://www.blackstarnews.com/others/extras/uk-court-says-publishers-multi-million-dollar-case-against-gen-museveni-still-active

‘Kabaka Concerned, Museveni and Mirundi Promoting Landlord Murders’ (27.08.2009)

Kaweesi, Samuel – ‘Tamale Mirundi appointed advisor to Buruuli Kingæ (28.05.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Tamale-Mirundi-appointed-advisor-to-Buruuli-King/-/688334/2732166/-/gjeoad/-/index.html

Kiwanuka, William Kituuka – ‘TAMALE MIRUNDI REASONS CHILDISHLY’ (22.07.2011) link: http://williamkituuka.blogspot.no/2011/07/tamale-mirundi-reasons-childishly.html

Kiyonga, Derrick – ‘Judges want Museveni to fire Tamale Mirundi’ (24.04.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/37533-judges-want-museveni-to-fire-tamale-mirundi

Lumu, David & Anyango, Aida – ‘My contract has expired, says Tamale Mirundi’ (24.07.2014) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/657962-my-contract-has-expired-says-tamale-mirundi.html

NewVision – ‘UCC moves to stop Tamale Mirundi’s ‘abusive remarks’ (01.11.2015) link:

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/676351-ucc-moves-to-stop-tamale-mirundi-s-abusive-remarks.html

Odinga, William – ‘Tamale Mirundi punches former employee below the belt’ (18.03.2014) link: http://williamodinga.blogspot.no/2014/03/tamale-mirundi-punches-former-employee.html

UGO – ‘Tamale Mirundi grilled over Sejusa calls’ (15.05.2013) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/tamale-mirundi-grilled-over-sejusa-calls/

Erias Lukwago Statement and his campaign is Prematurely Suspended (Youtube-Clip)

Lukwago 30.11.15

In pursuit of a just cause, we shall not be deterred by the apparently skewed and hostile political terrain. Obviously, we shall encounter numerous hurdles along the way but they are not insurmountable. A new program for the launch of our campaign platform will be rolled out in the course of next week. In the meantime, all my campaign programmes will remain suspended in protest against the illegal and nefarious conduct of the police. I will always be grateful for your unwavering support.#Omuloodi Waali.

Kampala’s renegade Police shuts down Lukwago speech of awareness

Lukwago 30.11.15

Today I will talk about the Kampala Capital City Authoriy and Kampala Metropolitian Police… they doesn’t have it easy, because they have a painful history with a Mr. Erias Lukwago, he happen to be loved by the people. That kind of people is not the Police or the leaders of KCCA who is chosen by the NRM. Erias Lukwago is far from NRM and is a strong supporter and ally of Dr. Kizza Besigye and the FDC, even if he has been affiliated with Democratic Party (DP). Norbert Mao is now a part of Go-Forward Umbrella, so surely DP is not a strong unit. That is why that Erias Lukwago goes independent and the DP need a new candidate to run for the Mayor in Kampala. Let’s take a look what the Police done today in the Central Business District of Kampala. Take a look!

Erias Lukwago message this morning:

“There’s a Luganda adage that ”Bwekataligilya elibiika amasumba”; literary meaning that if a chicken survives the claws and talons of hawks or other predators, there are high prospects that it will lay golden eggs. Kindly be part of a memorable occasion today at Nakasero Market Park yard at 2:00pm as we unveil the golden egg (vision) for the transformation of Kampala. I strongly believe that it’s only a shared vision, rather than personal whims, that will transform Kampala into a modern capital city we all crave for. Hope to see you there”.

UPF bans the incumbent Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago from having a 2nd Inaguraral rally in Nakasero claiming the venue is for small the rally and will disprut the trading at the Nakasero Market. It would also be inconvenient for the traffic passing by and should look for another venue to have the rally. Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said: “We have been informed that he intends to hold a rally at Nakasero market but it is illegal and will not be permitted. The venue is not suitable because it is a market in the city centre that attracts many people, which would paralyze business,”He also said: “the youth to desist from participating in the unlawful rally saying those arrested will be taken to the court of law”.

DP Camp Kampala Erias Lukwago Support 30.11.15

Even if the Police suspend the rally at Nakasero Market Park Yard the Erias Lukwago went there anyway despite to block this rally. There were also plans of Mulwana Team to escort them and support Erias Lukwago during his rally there. Today was the day that Erias Lukwago was supposed to introduce his manifesto for the 2016 Mayoral Election.

I am sure that Erias Lukwago is struggling because he is now running independently, but has support of the Forum for Democratic Change as becoming Mayor of Kampala again.

Issa Mayoral Candidate

But the new Democratic Party Mayoral Candidate Issa Kikungwe launched his own campaign today as well, but that wasn’t stopped by the Police like Erias Lukwago rally, the Candidate Kikungwe held a rally in Kawempe.

Ragga Dee Daniel

While this has happen Daniel Kazibe known as Ragga Dee who has been voted to be the NRM Mayoral Candidate of Kampala has said this:

“am not pleased with how Bebe Cool has handled issues regarding the artist’s money from the President as some of the fellow artists on that project are still claiming for their shares. Have you accounted how much funds Bebe Cool spent for his wife’s maternity fees last week and he is currently in South Africa shooting a video? Bebe Cool should responsibly come out and account for the shares to his fellow artists because it’s officially confirmed that he received the funds from the president’s office”.

Bebe Cool Hummer

Bebe Cool retorted:

“I wonder why people always try to attack me, Ragga Dee said that I am greedy but the fact is, he is greedier than me. Let him not fool you that it’s him who got the Tubonge project, it’s me. I heard him saying that he took me to State House. I used to go to State House even when I was young and Museveni is like my uncle, so let him stop talking about what he doesn’t know, he may lose the elections”.

Ragge Dee wants to this if he wins the elections:

“I will first give musicians lessons on how to work together for a general cause and promote one love”.

Daniel Kazibe aka Ragga Dee held his first rally in town yesterday without making any fuzz or having any problems with the fuzz. There must be something behind that! Wait, yes it is, he is a NRM guy, and therefore he can as he pleases, while the others have to fight to the same. That is democracy right now in Uganda!

It seems okay for Mr Kikungwe who can hold his rally, because he is seen not as threat to the KCCA and NRM, or am I wrong? Or is it because there is now official not written law that it’s illegal to hold rallies in a Market in Kampala? Can the UPF and Kampala Metropolitan Police; please explain to a brother; why he is not really permitted? Can it be the most used law of 2015; no not the Tax-Evation laws! Nah it’s not cool enough! I am talking about  the POMA, the famous and most used law by IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura! Public Order Management Act, I am sure that used to stop Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago? Because he creates chaos for his popularity in stark contrast to the NRM-Candidate or other Opposition figures. Right? Yes, I am right!

Asuman Kiyingi

Even Asuman Kiyingi [of the NRM] the State Minister of Works said this during November about the Kampala Mayoral Elections:

“On this one I agree with Ragga Dee. You can’t do a wedding and then go for kwanjula. Or ask a class teacher to become a class prefect. How did we end up with a flag bearer for a position that we were not sure we needed. We should have spared our people the rancour and hussle of primaries if we planned a mayor elected from councillors. Just how far should we go to fix Erias Lukwago?”

For those who wonders why there is not an official endorsed Mayoral Candidate in Kampala from the FDC, that is because they has gone behind Erias Lukwago to show support for his candidature against the powerful NRM-Regime and also thanks for his loyalty towards Dr. Kizza Besigye which Lukwago has been behind since ‘Walk to Work’ riots in Kampala. So the sorry man in this tale is the Mayoral Candidate for FDC Miles Rwamiti Apuuli who will not be a man who you can vote for, since his candidacy has been pulled.

That means that the elections for Mayor will be Daniel Kazibe aka Ragga Dee (NRM), Erias Lukwago (Independent) and Issa Kikungwe (DP). The Police will be against Erias Lukwago which they have proven again, and again! And again, they hate that he stand against the Kampala Metropolitan Police and Kampala Capital City Authority, not to forget Jennifer Musisi thinks it easier to work without the annoying politicians, especially the likes of Lukwago who makes everything hard to put through, I think that is because he is one of them who wishes to have a loyal crony like Daniel Kazibe who can’t even hold his tongue and win a discussion with the numb-nuts of Bebe Cool, who dances like a fool on every stage for Mzee and his NRM. The money is good for them both while Issa and Erias will fight against the musician.

Backup History (recent) on Daniel Kazibe: 

For those of you have forgotten part of his past. Had in 2014 his own Mercedes Benz impounded by the URA (Uganda Revenue Authority), the musician had at that time forgotten to pay tax. Therefore until he could pay the missing funds of Shs. 1,5 Million to pay URA before he get his car back again. Also in 2014 the same Ragga Dee was reported to be part of the campaign for National ID cards and eating a great chunk of that fund, the fund that got missing remember? Well, Ragga Dee who had now eaten a big chunk by the fund for the National ID cards advertisement; which never happened… That is not the end of the eating money from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was after this supposed to eat more money from it for making a recording which would be used to mesmerized the late Gen. Aronda Nyakarima. How much the whole tale cost the Tax Payer, will hopefully be released or found out. 2014 was a busy year for Daniel Kazibe.

Now we see how the UPF, Kampala Metropolitan Police and Electoral Commission work for making the campaign for Erias Lukwago as hard as possible. They are trying to stop it and make it harder than for other candidates trying to become mayor in Kampala. So this will continue because we all know the NRM-Regime and their “Freedom loving” Police, who is not “impartial” or “working against” any opposition member or party in general during these elections. No! No! No! They are not doing that… They are just showing care for the dangers that a rally of an opposition candidate will have at the Central parts of Kampala and will disturb business district of the City. Something that is dangerous to do… Wonder if it would be stopped if it was Daniel having a campaign rally at the same place? I don’t think so. Peace.

Presidential candidates back on the trail after Papal visit.. +NRM Primaries & Tamale Mirundi etc

CCEDU Topowa

The Papal Visit is over and KCCA can chill before trying to nibble on the fact that Erias Lukwago will start his campaign tomorrow. FDC travels to Pader today. Amama Mbabazi is suspending his campaign again. NRM, I am sure starting tomorrow. There are reports of crowds buying from them and also yet more information on the NRM Primaries(a tale that doesn’t seem to end). The Deflections from NRM continues to other parties. And not so much the other way around, if you take the exaptation of UPC-Akena to NRM. But that doesn’t count at this point. Let’s take a look!

Quote of the day:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni: “I have no problem meeting Besigye or anyone, I am for Uganda and Africa”.

Reports before NRM Rallies:

There been rumored of advance teams of NRM and Museveni in Teso Sub-region where they already spending money on the people in the area to get them to attend the NRM rallies in the area. Each Constituency in the area was delivered 20 Million shillings to achieve the numbers that the NRM wished to see at the venues and rallies.

Use of Football stars to verify the Western support for Museveni-Regime:

“Uganda Tourism Board has payed millions of dollars to Barcelona football stars to come to Uganda as tourists but in reality they are supposed to appear on Museveni’s political rallies in Central and Western regions of the country. The football stars already in Uganda include Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, Louis Garcia, Simao Sabrosa and others. This is designed to give Museveni maximum world wide exposure to fool the West that Museveni is still popular in the country, and the opposition would not be in a position to scream election rigging. They are scheduled to appear with Museveni from Dec 8th through Dec. 12th”.

ofwono

Ofwono Opondo saying about TVO:

“”Tom Voltaire Okwaliga is Tamale Mirundi , all that you see on Facebook are posted by Tamale Mirundi but he disguises in the name of TVO” (…)”Of all Tom Okwalinga’s 40,000 followers no one has ever seen him physically. We have proved without doubt that TVO is Tamale Mirundi” (…)”you’re asking me proof?? if you want proof, arrest Tamale Mirundi for some days and you will never see a post on Facebook by Tamale I mean by TVO”.

Padre 29.11.15

FDC on the Trail in Padre:

“This is the first time uganda is going to remove a president without using gun” said Dr. Kizza Besigye as he addresses a mammoth crowd in Pader Town Council

Lukwago-Eria

Invite to Erias Lukwago’s mayoral rally tomorrow:

“Monday 30th November 2015 at Nakasero Market Park yard at 2:00 pm as we launch our campaign platform. The program is organised in strict compliance with the EC harmonised campaign calendar. It’s truism that transformation of Kampala into a modern metropolis befitting the pearl of Africa will always be a mirage unless we cultivate a culture of democratic and corporate governance in the way we run public institutions. It’s for that sole reason that the policy agenda we’re unveiling tomorrow revolves around institutional building, creating strong and vibrant systems of accountable governance, strategic planning and prioritisation, social justice and equity as well as building viable synergies that will engender the much desired sustainable transformation of our capital city. Come One Come All”.

Amama 17.11.15 Poster

NRM Primaries continues:

In Rubaga North MP the contested candidate for the region has been taken to court and therefore blocked his nomination. That means that Singh from the Rubaga North can’t stand as a candidate for MP for the area, and that leaves NRM without a candidate for the area unto the 2016 General Elections.

Second report:

“533 declared NRM parliamentary primaries’ losers have now picked forms to run as Independents. Out of these 17 are serving ministers and ministers of state, while 69 are current Members of Parliament”.

Third Report:

Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi are holding talks with 44 MPs who lost their nominations and candidacy in the NRM Primaries to give them a place under the Go-Forward Group under the election in 2016.

Message from Amama Mbabazi:

“Dear Friends” (…)”I would like to inform you all that we will have a slight postponement of the next leg of our campaign tours. This is as a result of my travel to visit with my wife and her anticipated return this week”.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi 17.11.15

PLEASE DONATE TO THE MABIRIZI CAMPAIGN

We appreciate all the financial contributions you are making to the Mabirizi TIC Presidential Campaign. Over the weekend, we returned from Eastern Uganda over the weekend. This week till Friday, we are in Kampala divisions and will leave on Saturday for Kalangala, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Sembabule and Lwengo. A team of 15 campaigners will spend 8 days and nights in the field before returning to Butambala again.

We really need money for this extended campaign leg. We need fuel, car maintenance, water, food, accommodation, posters, and communication.

Please send your generous contributions to:

MTN: 0772 411 491

Airtel: 0702 411 491

You may want to call to confirm receipt or send a separate message to the same numbers, if you did not send for your own phone.

Thank you for your support to the struggle for an better Uganda.

Enough right?

I think that was interesting enough for today. Peace.

NRM cries foul over media coverage

M7 NRM

There is some fun in this that the NRM cries foul over coverage. Especially when some of remember when certain loyal cronies was crying over how the NBS and NTV was following and imbedded into the convoys to their consultation meeting. Let me remind you on that before going over the comment recently coming from the NRM.

Kale Kayihura

On the 14th October 2015 IGP Kale Kayihura spoke at his press conference that day on the media:

“The thing, you as Journalists, especially NTV, NTV and NBS. Who normally are embedded with, in these convoys, I don’t know for what reason, whether you are really Journalist, at the edge of consents, or your been inducted into parties politics. That goes against by the way the professional ethics of journalism! That got a mandate to go after this, because it’s the broadcast act, the media and journalist act”.

So having the head of the Police commenting on how the journalist follows the FDC and Go-Forward consultation meetings was expected for everybody, though ironic talking about ethics, because they did in the same time period create havoc in Rukungiri and in the Greater Masaka area where the FDC was planning to have events. The Police also was violent in Soroti and Jinja where the Go-Forward camp had planned meetings. So that the media was following was to address the interests and how the Police was going against their own citizens. They are doing their duty as journalist to address the matters and also the unnecessary violence and detaining opposition party members and leaders; that is a common good that, that get addressed by the media in those instances.

Justine Kasule Lumumba

But let’s take a look at what the NRM said this week:

The Secretary General of NRM Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “You should take note that our candidate has so far addressed 70 rallies and some haven’t even covered 20 of them(…)”I have observed that some media houses are biased and do not cover all the candidates equall” (FakeBeast, 2015).

What we have seen in October this year had the IGP Kale Kayihura saying that Media should not be in the convoys of a political parties, especially considering their ethical and codes of conduct of a journalist. That is in stark contrast to what the Secretary General Cries fowl about this week.

Though she does that, I am sure that NRM forgetting their own actions while they we’re in Lango Sub-County on the 13th November 2015 on the trail to 2016. This happen that day:

Museveni expels NTV from his media team after what he called unbalanced reporting on him. As per now, NTV journalists are being escorted back to Kampala by soldiers of the Special Forces Command. Daily monitor was also warned of a possible closure should their reporting continue to ‘favor’ the opposition ‘against’ Mr. Museveni.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

That is just two weeks ago. So when you see how the NRM and their Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wasn’t happy with the pictures and “unbalanced” reports given at the time and at the rallies. That the Secretary General now in all respects says the same thing. It is not surprising, since they want all coverage! They don’t want people to follow the FDC, Go-Forward, Farmers Party or PDP, even the Independents who also have rallies.

The trouble NRM and the Police has with the coverage is that it isn’t just in favor with the view and perspective that NRM wish to perceive. That is because they will cover as they feel is right and question it all. I am sure the NRM is not happy with the covering reports of how they have used Crime Preventers to fill up crowds and deliverance of T-Shirts, foods and paying gas to Boda-Boda drivers around the venues of the NRM rallies. That is something that is not happening around the Go-Forward or FDC venues in the same time frame.

The pain that NRM have right now is that they don’t know how to handle that their losing grip. Everybody isn’t eating out their hands and taking their words for granted. That the media doesn’t follow you as they used to, because they are trying to cover the other parties rallies as well. Since there 8 candidates, there is a trio on the top that has the most coverage no matter how you look upon it. That Museveni, Mbabazi and Besigye has the most is natural, not only by looking at the size of their campaigns, but also the suctions of the candidates. That is why deflections is mostly happening to these candidates and their parties.

The reason why Go-Forward Camp or FDC camp is claiming the same as NRM about biased and unbalanced coverage is because of the massive coverage in general these days. NRM has their own media-house, which has been proven with 5 pages special from the NewVision during the start of the campaign trail. Something that the same paper would never do on FDC or Go-Forward because of its loyalty to the NRM. That is something other media-houses doesn’t have, even when they have shut down the Daily Monitor, reports of even paying of editors to scribble something else then negative and true coverage of the Government of Uganda and that means the NRM.

So if the Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and President Museveni complain; it’s kind of expected at this point. That IGP Kayihura was directing the media was also expected since he will detain anybody who doesn’t follow his reasoning. But that the internal parts of the Party of NRM now reacts with three months to go to General Elections in 2016. This shows that their struggling with convincing the media on how to cover the rallies and pledges given by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

IGP Kayihura get his wish in a way if that the media is not imbedded with convoys of the NRM party, since that is what he said was against the ethics of journalists. Something that Museveni and Kasule Lumumba we can assume isn’t happy about at this present time. Since they want to have the NRM in the spotlight, get the GREEN positive GO light. That they don’t get. The coverage is followed by their actions and when you constantly attack and address journalist as problems and make their relationship problematic, it will be easier to address the Go-Forward and FDC where you are welcome. That is proven with the actions done by the NRM in Lango Sub-County.

And by looking at their actions and wishes is not something you can combine. It doesn’t match. If they want more coverage then they also have accept it for what it is. Instead of telling what and trying to spin it the way they want it. I am sure Dr. Kizza Besigye didn’t want the photos with the chicken to the public, as much as Amama Mbabazi didn’t want to have the “Share-A-Coke with” moment earlier in the campaign. But that happen and the media and online world has captured it.

Share A Coke W Amama 101115

That the NRM feels that the coverage is biased or not covered enough is telling more about the NRM, then the media. The Media can make their decision to where to cover and how they explain and express what happens around the NRM. The NRM can’t do like they do internally to explain and argue, the media should be different. That they feel less covering then Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi proves how much they fear the opposition and their candidates since the NRM can’t handle how big crowds surround their trails and none of them is payed Crime Preventers or hired men to show up. Some of the crowds at the NRM venues has been so and when that has been pointed out in media, the media has been criticized for saying so. Well, the retort should be – there shouldn’t be hired crowds at the campaign trail, and doesn’t matter which party. NRM they have a history for this kind of action, therefore when the media and journalist address it, it’s the NRM who should change, not the Journalist addressing it.

That is in general what the NRM, Museveni and Kasule Lumumba implies that the Media and Journalists should change to their tune and not think for themselves and just cover what they want to show. Like they wanted all to see Bebe Cool speaking about roads to Moroto after the recent rally, but not about the rest of the state of Sub-County where he was campaigning, I am sure not all parts of those areas was that great built and functioning, right?

NRM can cry foul and can be suspicious of how the coverage is being carried out. But we all know that they just want the whole spotlight and leave everybody else into darkness. That would be wish of President Museveni, he want to be leading star and the guardian of the galaxy!

Still, it seems that they still get massive coverage, maybe not the one they want… or wished in the first place. And that hurts them because they want be the beautiful ruling government instead they are showing the NRM-Regime as they really are. The actions and rhetoric hurts them and doesn’t help their cause, if they really have another one then ruling, and one man ruling them all. If so, please enlighten me on that, since I only see a one-man ruling party who is a skeleton when he needs it. And loyal subjects to him like Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and others who comply with his every need. Something the media does not do and question their behavior and words. To see and discuss it! That will hopefully also happen under a new regime and hopefully be more tolerant of the journalist and their opposition then the one that currently ruling Uganda. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Media ignores Museveni, Kasule cries out’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/media-ignores-museveni-kasule-cries-out/

Kabuzire, Linda – ‘NRM: Mbabazi Must Stop Provoking Us’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/nrm-mbabazi-must-stop-provoking-us/

The Electoral Commission of Uganda – LEG 75/79/01: “Re: Conduct of Campaigns and Related Concerns” (23.11.2015)

EC Letter November P2

Adm72/01: Press Statement from the Electoral Commission of Uganda – Progress of Electoral Programmes for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections (25.11.2015)

Badru EC

  1. Introduction

Our esteemed partners, members of the press, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to this press briefing.

Today, the Electoral Commission would like to update the country on the commencement of the campaign period for Local Government Councils Elections, preparations for nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections, as well as other activities related to the Roadmap for the 2015-2016 General Elections.

  1. Conclusion of Nomination for Local Government Councils Elections and Commencement of Campaign Period

The Electoral Commission concluded the nomination of candidates for the following elective positions at Local Government Councils countrywide:

  1. Candidates for District/City Chairpersons, District/City Directly-elected Councilors; District/City Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons;
  1. Candidates for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors, Councilors representing Women, Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons; and,
  1. Candidates for Municipal Division, Town Council and Sub County Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors; Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons.

Campaigns for the above elections commenced after the harmonization of the candidates’ programmes, for each respective category yesterday, Tuesday November 24, 2015, and will stop forty eight hours before polling day for each category.

The Electoral Commission urges all candidates, their agents, supporters, and members of the general public to adhere to set rules and regulations guiding the campaign period, and to particularly ensure that campaigns are held in accordance with the harmonised campaign programme.

Candidates and/or their agents must not use or publish any foul language or defamatory words, which incite public disorder, hatred, violence or which threatens war.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has appointed the following polling dates for the above electoral positions as follows:

No. Elective Position Polling Date
1. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for District (LC V); 24th February 2016
2. Lord Mayor, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Kampala Capital City Authority* 24th February 2016
3. Councilors for PWDs, Older Persons and Youth to District Councils and Kampala Capital City Authority; 26th February 2016
4. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipality and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 2nd March 2016
5. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipalities and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 4th March 2016
6. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 9th March 2016
7. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 10th March 2016

* The nominations for Councilors representing Professional Bodies at KCCA have not yet taken place because the Commission is still waiting for the list of members of respective electoral colleges, namely:

  1. Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers;
  2. Uganda Society of Architects;
  • Uganda Medical Association; and,
  1. Uganda Law Society
  1. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections 2016

The nomination of candidates for Parliamentary Elections will be conducted on 2nd – 3rd December 2015.

Aspiring candidates for the following elective positions at Parliamentary level are advised to collect the nomination forms and guidelines from the Office of the Returning Officer in their respective district across the country;

  1. Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency);
  2. District Woman Member of Parliament;
  3. Member of Parliament for Persons with Disability (PWD).

The nomination of candidates for Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency) and District Woman Member of Parliament, shall take place at the respective EC District offices across the whole Country beginning at 9.00 a.m. and ending at 5:00pm on each of the appointed dates.

Please note that the nomination of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held at the Electoral Commission headquarters during the above period.

The National Conference for elections of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held from 21st to 22nd February 2016, at a venue to be communicated by the Commission in due course.

The Electoral Commission calls upon the Uganda Police Force to ensure law and order during this period.

Please note that the Electoral Commission will not organize nomination for representatives of the following Special Interest Groups to Parliament, during the above period until Parliament of Uganda addresses the concerns raised by the Constitutional Court.

The affected Special Interest Groups include;

  1. Member of Parliament for Workers;
  2. Member of Parliament for Youths; and,
  3. Member of Parliament for Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF);
  4. Requirements for Nomination of Member of Parliament

An aspiring candidate for Member of Parliament shall be a citizen of Uganda, a registered voter;  

  1. The nomination shall be made by two (2) registered voters from the constituency, who shall appear in person before the Returning Officer, and present a nomination paper filled in duplicate indicating the following:
  1. The names, age, address, and occupation of the aspiring candidate;
  2. Names and address of a person appointed as the official agent;
  1. A list of names and signatures of a minimum of ten (10) persons, who must be registered voters in the constituency where the candidate seeking nomination supporting his/her nomination; each of the persons so signing shall state his/her village, occupation and Voter Number or National ID Number or Application ID Number;
  1. Aspiring candidates shall also be required to present the following:
  1. A receipt being proof of payment of non-refundable nomination fee of Shs. 3,000,000/- (three million shillings) only. Please note the nomination fee can be paid in any commercial bank which collects Non Tax Revenue, in accordance with the issued guidelines;
  1. Three (3) postcards size copies of a recent straight face, color photograph with a light background;
  1. Certified copies of educational qualifications showing the aspirant attained a minimum formal education of Advanced (A) Level or its equivalent;
  1. Certified copies (if qualifications were attained from outside Uganda) from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE);
  1. Proof of resignation, in the case of public officers;

Please note that a candidate who uses a convoy for purposes of nomination shall have a maximum of two vehicles bearing police stickers and each shall carry a maximum of ten persons.

  1. Update on the Presidential Campaign Meetings

The Electoral Commission would like to commend the Presidential candidates for the smooth start to the campaigns, and especially compliance with the harmonised campaign programme. We urge the candidates to continue in this direction, so that together, we achieve a peaceful campaign and elections.

However, the Commission has also noted with concern, the consistent calls by Candidate Kizza Besigye, one of the Presidential candidates, for defiance as a campaign strategy. This kind of campaign is likely to have serious impact on the conduct of peaceful campaigns and elections.

The Commission condemns this kind of conduct and hereby warns the Presidential Candidate, his agents and supporters, to desist from taking this path, but instead conduct the campaign in accordance with the law.

The Electoral Commission has also noted several reports of malicious acts of defacement and/or removal of candidates’ posters.

The Commission warns the general public, candidates, their agents and supporters, that a person who malicious defaces or removes or tears any election poster of any nominated candidate commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment.

  1. Misrepresentation of the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has further noted that several stakeholders, especially the media, have continued to call this institution either the National Independent Electoral Commission, or the Independent Electoral Commission. I would like to clarify that the name Electoral Commission has never been changed

We, therefore, caution the public, and our stakeholders to stop using unauthorized name and logo when referring to the Electoral Commission.

Similarly, the Commission took note of the article published in The Sunday Monitor (November 15th 2015) where the Chairperson Electoral Commission is said to have stated that the Electoral Commission will announce the right winner, because the Electoral Commission of 2016 is different from the Electoral Commission of 2006. This has created an impression that the Commission did not announce the right winner in 2006, which is very wrong.

I wish to state that the statement attributed to me was not correct. The Commission has always announced the winning candidate at each elective level; this has always been the case in all elections we have organized, and it will be the case in 2016.

  1. Message on Papal Visit to Uganda

Finaly, the Electoral Commission joins with all Ugandans to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Uganda. We congratulate the people of Uganda on this unique opportunity to host the Pontiff a third time.

This should serve as a reminder to all Ugandans of the special position our country holds in the world.

The visit takes place at a time when political campaigns are taking place by candidates contesting for various elective positions. Let us use the visit to promote the virtues of unity and peaceful co-existence.

Thank you for listening to me,

For God and my Country,

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson, Electoral Commission