Letter to the EC: Complaint from Presidential Candidate Amama Mbabazi on the Alleged Proposed Visit of H.E. Yoweri Museveni to Mbale on 9th and 10th January 2016 (08.01.2016)

Mzee campaigns in Kabale; shuns the regulations by the Electoral Commission again; while Police steady looks at their master

Today there been issues with NRM and Mzee campaigning that have involved in the matter of electoral practices. Firstly the comrades for the National Resistance Movement decided to tear up Go-Forward Posters and pin-up posters of Mzee in Karamoja region. The pictures tell the story. The other issues are bigger, but the Electoral Commission has said before the campaign rallies that this was not acceptable, still it happens everywhere and Mzee’s campaign posters are standing strong and not touched while opposition candidates ones are destroyed or pinned over. That must be something to think about Badru Kiggundu aye?

Today NRM Convoy where in the Kabale region and had campaign rallies in the area. So before the campaign rallies the President Museveni had to breach the new-found regulations that Presidential Candidates are not allowed to visit.

First: He visited the Kabale Muncipal Grounds and laid flowers (Wreath) on the graves of the fallen Patriotic Freedom Fighters who we’re fallen in 1973. This is Okayed by the Electoral Commission while Hon. Amama Mbabazi we’re not allowed into a Memorial Grounds during his campaign trail. Well, who can stop the almighty President right?

Second: He visit a public building which is a museum in Muhanga Town, this was the Great Lakes Museum. To oversee the structure and building; something that would been closed down by Police and not let the other Presidential Candidate visit the premises.

Third: There we’re rally over the stipulated time in Kabale from the Mzee, the other candidates get issues and closed venues if they go over the 6:00 PM. This have happen to Hon. Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye during the campaign trail. Mzee hold it over the time while the Police we’re standing and looking at the breach of the regulation, because they know who keeps them paid.

Fourth: The citizens who would attend the rally in Kabale we’re promised UGX 3,000shs for attending the rallies that is real loyalty just the way Mzee likes it. If he can pay you and you do something for him, then you’re a proud NRM-Supporter.

So know we have all seen this and known that in recent days that the Anti-Riot Police have followed Hon. Amama Mbabazi and police have tried to get people to shun the campaign rallies of Dr. Kizza Besigye, how can he continue like nothing? And still claim to be democratic and ask for respectful language from his competitors?

There are so much I could say and describe in on matter, but at this point why should I. There is coming more and we are 45 day to the polls starts smashing and I fear the online will strike and social media shut-down on 18^th February. We all know that the beacon of truth and justice is dangerous of Mzee and his cadres. So here we are, his tactics and opposition fear-mongering are continuing. Like the life-time ruler he is and wish to overcome an be able to reign for over 30 years. Peace.  

Police blocks Baryamureeba from campaigning in Busia (Youtube-Clip)

“Police in Busia town blocked the campaign rally of Independent Presidential Candidate Professor Venansius Baryamureeba. Baryamureeba had staged his rally at Busia Bus park was ordered to leave the venue by anti riot police commander David Lubanjwa on grounds that he was not supposed to be campaigning in Busia. Baryamureba was expected at the Eastern border district the previous day, Monday” (NTV Uganda, 2015).

Uganda – Statement by the Chairperson, Electoral Commission at the Closure of the Presidential Nomination Exercise – 2016 General Elections (04.11.2015)

Ref: ADM72/01 – The Republic of Uganda – The Electoral Commission:

The Electoral Commission appointed 3^rd and 4^th November 2015 as dates for the nomination of candidates for the 2016 Presidential Elections. There were forty eight (48) persons who picked Nomination Forms for Presidential Elections. Twelve (12) persons/parties returned the Forms to the Commission for verification. The nomination exercise which commenced yesterday Tuesday 3^rd November 2015, has been concluded today, Wednesday, 4th November 2015, and the following have been successfully nominated as candidates

No	Nominated candidate	Political party/Organisation	Symbol
1.	Yoweri Museveni Kaguta	National Resistance Movement	Party Symbol
2	Amama Mbabazi	Independent	Chair
3	Baryamureeba Venansius	Independent	Clock
4	Besigye Kizza Kifefe	Forum for Democratic Change	Party Symbol
5	Abed Bwanika	Peoples’ Development Party	Party Symbol
6	Mabirizi Joseph	Independent	Ball
7	Maureen Faith Kyalya Waluube	Independent	Pot
8	Biraaro Buta Benon	Farmers Party of Uganda	Party Symbol

 

One of the presidential aspirants, Mr. Bbaale Charles Lwanga (Ecological Party of Uganda) presented himself to the Electoral Commission but did not satisfy the requirements for nomination as a candidate for the Presidential Elections, 2016.

Another Presidential aspirant, Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebagala, who had picked nomination papers, complied with the provisions of Section 10(1)(b) and (3), of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 (as amended) on supporters for the nomination, and booked nomination date and time did not turn up for nomination as required by the law.

The Commission congratulates all those candidates who have been successfully nominated and wishes them the best as they go out to campaign and solicit for votes from the electorate.

The Electoral Commission wishes to emphasise the following: 

The Electoral Commission has appointed the period 4th – 9th November 2015 as the period for inspection of nomination papers for candidates contesting for Presidential Elections 2016.

The inspection of nomination papers will be held at the Office of the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, who is the Returning Officer for the Presidential Elections, during office hours.

During this period, any person will be free to raise objection, to the qualification of a nominated candidate, to the Chairperson, Electoral Commission/Returning Officer, at the Electoral Commission Headquarters in Kampala.

No complaints shall be accepted after the expiry of the appointed dates.

Meeting for Harmonisation of Campaign Programme 

The Electoral Commission will hold a meeting with all the nominated candidates and/or their agents on Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2015, at the Electoral Commission Boardroom, at 10:00am, to harmonise the campaign programme.

After harmonisation of the campaign programme, candidates will be expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), calling for compliance with the campaign guidelines and programme, to achieve peaceful campaigns and elections.

The Commission wishes to appreciate the following who have made the nomination exercise a success:

1. The National Organisation Committee (NOC);
2. The aspirants, their families and delegations;
3. Protocol team, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Associates;
4. Security, particularly the Uganda Police Force;
5. The Management of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole;
6. Uganda Red Cross Society, and St. John Ambulance;
7. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA);
8. Development Partners (IFES, DGF, British High Commission, and others);
9. Always Be Tolerant (ABETO)
10. Service providers;
11. National and International media;
12. National and international observers;
13. And in a special way, the entire Electoral Commission family.

Finally, the Commission announces the Polling day for Presidential/Parliamentary elections being Thursday, 18th February, 2016.

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson, Electoral Commission/Returning Officer, Presidential Elections