Botswana’s Position on the General Election in Uganda (22.02.2016)

ministry-of-foreign-affairs-botswana

The Government of the Republic of Botswana has taken note of the reports of international observer groups on the recent General Election held in the Republic of Uganda. The Government of Botswana has observed that based on the findings of some international observers, the elections were characterised by, amongst others; lack of transparency, reported incidents of intimidation and harassment, social media restrictions, as well as continuous arrests and detention of a prominent leader of the opposition.

In view of this, the Government of Botswana remains deeply concerned that such conduct during an election would have deeply undermined the norms of best practice governing democratic elections, as well as, the continent’s efforts towards consolidation of democracy. Going forward, the Government of Botswana therefore encourages all concerned Parties to address the election disputes for the peace and stability of their nation.

(Ministry of Foreign affairs and International Cooperation)

Press Release: Ugandan Youth Decide the next steps (23.02.2016)

Uganda Youth 22.02.2016

The young people of Uganda comprise the majority, at over 78% of the total population and they overwhelmingly participated in this election. The voting exercise having been completed two days ago, as key stakeholders and bearers of the burden in all its manifests, we would like to share with all Ugandans and the international community our observations, conclusions and the way forward. The youth in Uganda, is facing a very uncertain future ranging from; having the highest unemployment rate of 83%, deteriorating the quality of education, corrupt credit schemes, abject poverty; and the desperation that is driving us to become, gamblers, prostitutes, economic refugees. slaves in the middle east, far east and other Asian countries.

All this is, as Yoweri Museveni put it in his book “WHAT IS AFRICA’s PROBLEM”, a consequence of, but not limited to; 30 years of poor leadership of the very author of the book who now believes Uganda is him, him is Uganda and that he doesn’t see anyone else capable of leading Uganda apart from him!

“Africa doesn’t need strongmen; it needs strong institutions”: Obama
Like President Barak Obama said while on his first official trip as president to the heart of Africa;
“Development depends upon good governance”.
“No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. “That is not a democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.”

Democracy and good governance are the ingredients which has been missing in Uganda, for far too long.
The 30 years’ revolutionary turned dictator who attained power by gun, rules by the gun and believes only the gun shall remove him from power legitimizes his rule and disguises dictatorship through sham elections.
A rigged election in favor of the incumbent implies our sufferings is not about to end, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has resorted to the mass arrest of the youth as a means to silence us. It is time for the young to claim their rights and lead this struggle. Uganda’s future, our future is in our hands. The young have the potentials to make this country work for each and every one of us.

Rejection of Feb 18th Election results.

Having widely observed this election and actively participated in voting in search for change from a tired brutal regime to democratic and good governance, we would like to distance ourselves from the final results that were declared by Kiggundu.
We reject these results in the strongest terms possible as they are not a true reflection of the will and wish Ugandan people said on 18th Feb 2016. We saw the deliberate delay, ballot boxes stuffed with pre-ticked ballot papers in favor of the incumbent and kidnap of tallying material and FDC party leaders from the FDC Party headquarters we will not allude to what happened any further.
The entire electoral process became a sham; it was rigged using intimidation of voters, imprisonment of opponents, sabotage of rallies, late delivery of election materials, delayed opening of election centers, vote falsification at undisclosed tally centers, and bribery, among other malpractices.
The European Union and Commonwealth preliminary reports are already out, were aired on 20th February 2016 and are available on the YouTube channel for you to see and confirm our concerns as Ugandans.

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Mr. Badru Kiggundu intentionally announced the false results in favor of the incumbent, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the ‘winner’ of the election, on the 20th February 2016. This has been challenged by the main opposition candidate Col DR Kizza Besigye (rtd), the FDC party and the majority of Ugandans! They could have gone to demonstrate their protest but in Uganda, demonstrations are curtailed.

Road Block at Kasangati 22.02.2016

Continued arrests of party leaders.

We have observed the Uganda Police and Military police continue to insurmountable force in illegally arresting and detaining opposition party leaders, FDC party staffs, P10 volunteers, FDC party supporters and pressing no charges against them. We are aware that these are deliberate steps to curtail their freedoms of assembly, expression aimed at physically and illegally blocking all their efforts to seek court redress within the 10 working days required by law to contest this election.

We are calling upon all Ugandans, pro-democratic forces, and human rights activists to reject these actions with all constitutional means possible. We will not continue to look on as you illegally arrest FDC party leaders and members. It’s our constitutional right to stand against all illegalities and inhuman treatment. This should stop immediately and if you don’t stop we will take all measures to stop an illegal operation by the police.

Kizza Besigye Premises.

We would like in the strongest terms possible condemn the continued persecution, house detention, detention without trial of Presidential candidate Kizza Besigye. There is heavy deployment around his house and he can hardly make a step outside his door. This is unacceptable and is very unprecedented in our country. He is not only a Ugandan but a human rights activists as well as a presidential candidate. who deserves to enjoy his constitutional rights and a right to a dignifying treatment by the state. As key stakeholders in this country, we are asking the state not to taste our patience. You have done many unconstitutional things but we will not let you curtail the rights of RTD. Col DR. Kizza Besigye and Illegal besieging of FDC party Headquarters

In the same spirit, we would like to condemn the Uganda police for the continued besieging of a legally registered political party FDC headquarters. The breaking of doors and vandalisation of FDC property by Uganda police. This was uncalled for.

International Community.

To the international community and observers. Will you look on as Uganda’s constitutional order is abused and Ugandans are raped of their dignity to vote for the leaders they want?
We commend you for raising your concerns about the flawed electoral process but actions speak louder than words. We are calling upon you to diligently continue observing the process and remain key watchdogs in this process but also take swift and drastic action that will restore the freedom of assembly, association and movement of Col Dr Kizza Besigye, members of his campaign task force the P10 vote protection volunteers and all the FDC party activists, so that the petition can be finalized and launched in the required time frame for the high court to handle, or impose targeted sanctions on the regime if they don’t comply.

Constitutional Mandate.

We believe in part that the supreme law of the land has been abrogated in accordance with chapter one of the 1995 constitution that states that:
1. The sovereignty of the people.
(1) All power belongs to the people who shall exercise their sovereignty in accordance with this Constitution.
(2) Without limiting the effect of clause (1) of this article, all authority in the State emanates from the people of Uganda; and the people shall be governed through their will and consent.

We believe that the current situation and the announcement of false results infringe on the will and consent of Ugandans. Yet the constitution further says that;

(4) The people shall express their will and consent on who shall govern them and how they should be governed, through regular, free and fair elections of their representatives or through a referendum.
We have all reasons and overwhelming evidence that is blatantly clear to all Ugandan and all election observers that the just concluded presidential elections were not free or fair and thus fell short of this constitutional mandate.

As such we have a constitutional duty enshrined in our constitution and these will be but our next steps until such a moment as instructed by this constitution and we quote;

3. Defense of the Constitution.
(4) All citizens of Uganda shall have the right and duty at all times—
(a) to defend this Constitution and, in particular, to resist any person or group of persons seeking to overthrow the established constitutional order; and
(b) to do all in their power to restore this Constitution after it has been suspended, overthrown, abrogated or amended contrary to its provisions.
(5) Any person or group of persons who, as required by clause (4) of
this article, resists the suspension, overthrow, abrogation or amendment of
this Constitution commits no offense.

1.We are giving the police 6 hours from now to stop trespassing and vacate the premises of Kizza Besigye or else we mobilize a demonstration at his home in our usual large numbers.

2. Respect Col Dr. Kizza Besigye’s freedom of movement, assembly, association and freedom of expression. He committed no crime to contest as president in this Election.

3. We are further asking you to leave FDC headquarters in peace with immediate effect.

4. We demand that the Electoral Commission must forthwith avail comprehensive lists of the over 3000 polling stations that were omitted from the final tally.

From now further business is not going to be as usual, we are going to assertively control our destinies in order to claim our future. There is no other person who will do it for us.

“For God and My country”.

ULS Press Statement on the Post Election Environment (23.02.2016)

ULS 23.02.2016 P1ULS 23.02.2016 P2ULS 23.02.2016 P3

Statement by Canadian High Commissioner in Kenya David Angell on the Ugandan Elections (22.02.2016)

NTV 20.02.2016

Canada congratulates the people of Uganda for holding largely peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, despite delays in the opening of polls in some regions and other voting irregularities.

We are concerned by the arrest and continued detention of opposition political figures, and the prospect of those actions inciting violence. 

The blackout of social media platforms is troubling given the impact on the right to freedom of speech, particularly as it relates to the democratic process.

We note with regret the preliminary findings of various international election observation missions which highlighted, amongst others, concerns over the transparency and independence of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, and alleged misuse of state resources for campaign financing purposes.

Canada encourages authorities, the government, and opposition leaders to work in collaboration to address these issues, in support of the full rights of all Ugandans and the electoral process.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

All Canadians in Uganda should limit their movements, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, follow instructions of local authorities and monitor local news and consult http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/uganda for further advice.

BBC Africa: Museveni: “explains the clamp down on opposition” (Youtube-Clip)

“Uganda’s newly re-elected President Yoweri Museveni who was declared winner of last week’s presidential election and has been in power for 30 years. He talks about the opposition and why he is against presidential term limits. He spoke to BBC Africa’s Zuhura Yunus in his country home in Rwakitura, Western Uganda” (BBC Africa, 2016).

“50 Shades of Stealing Ballot’s”; Has still hope for peaceful change by the FDC; while waiting in the tense atmosphere.

Kampala 19.02.2016

As the silence of the streets, the result has been addressed and the congratulations are coming in, usually either between trading partners and close neighborhood countries that have worked together at some point with President Museveni.

The people are mourning the result as the shock of the thieving ways and the disregard of the value of the voters and ballots, as the elections was “50 shades of stealing the ballots”. The way Dr. Badru Kiggundu the chairman of the Electoral Commission ended his last term, was more of a morning ceremony where only NRM Secretary Justine Kasule Lumumba; only one with vigor and smile as the people was terrified.

The army has been on the streets, in the towns and the police force has worked hard and been armed with guns. The once seeing the pictures wondered if the authorities had plans of launching “Martial Law” or “State of Emergency”. That because of the disregard of voters with the police going in at polling stations even showing the voters whom to vote for as for example of walking with the voter and not trusting the voter to drop the ballot in the basin.

The way the Military Police or Special Force Command, even Formation Field Unit has been around the Presidential Candidates and securing them in their homes and areas so that they don’t deliver the reports and clarification of results that the Electoral Commission don’t want out. The Authorities want to silence the opposition as the legitimacy is non-existence. Just like Kofi Annan said in a statement days before the result got served the public.

Andre Kaweesi FDC HQ 19.02.2016

There is a reason why there wasn’t a jubilee in the streets of Kampala, there was reasons there wasn’t NRM people screaming around and just a few people trying to recuperate the internet and tell about the wonderful wins of Moroto and other districts that the Electoral Commission told of the wonderful victory of Museveni and his men. The issue is that we know that most loads of ballots got invalid or never gotten tallied as of the time of verifying the result the Electoral Commission; so no matter how valid some results might be; I don’t or wont trust these results as the rigged elections doesn’t give me faith in the results.

m7, besigye

And then todays press conference post-victory as he as a winner has to tell the world this:

“I don’t need lectures from anybody on how to organise elections” (…)”I have been doing it since school says at Ntare School” (The Insider, 2016). As the clearly you might not need lectures; you need a new way of doing it as this here was a shambles of one and a reason why you we’re alone with your cows; instead of celebrating with the ones that apparently or supposed to vote for you.

On Dr. Besigye and his house-arrest:

““Col Besigye cannot be allowed to disrupt our peace” (…)”Nobody can burn our city. We shall use both soft and hard means to guard our city” (The Insider, 2016). The Peace that your supposed to have created is kind of vague as the people are hiding in their houses of fear of your police force and army as they have killed people who have demonstrated and you have detained, jailed or house-arrested during the election day and the days that has followed. If this is generating peace by detaining your opposition then is not a joyful peace or a true election as the ones you don’t need lectures on.

As the vital information and the tension, the mourning of the thieving level of the government that has decided for them and taken their fate in their hands as their paternal advisory of giving the power-hungry and army man President Museveni another shot of taking more of the gold and government funds, instead of earning the money as civil servant and serving the nations as the President should do. I am sure if you Mr. President thinking of getting the buses ready and getting the leftover t-shirts and get ready to use more governmental funds to pay the Crime Preventers to secure crowds for Kololo Independence Ground on your Swearing in.

Jinja Road 15.02.2015 P2

There is very few indications or any certainty of the ruling regime caring about anything else then themselves and tried to pull the card that certain MPs have been voted in from the Opposition, but that is just a too save face and try to look like a legitimate affair. That is while many expected the numbers for Museveni to end between 60% to 69% so when it ended where it ended, it was something wrong, especially with the tally-numbers and the declarations forms that has surfaced online; something that says a lot that the fortune tellers can fore-say the results months in advance; as a certainty! That is not looking good as non-expected Barrack Obama at his first tenure to really get all the way. This is elections and a guy who doesn’t need lectures should know that; if had known elections that his facilitations of the “NRM” Independent Candidates, that many of them would fly out the gate; is that they we’re voted away from their constituencies and councils already, with adding more locals they should not be able to get through anywhere… But hey President Museveni doesn’t need any lectures. Kahinda Otafiire might need one!

As the “50 Shades of stealing ballots” is the next book from Amama Mbabazi, President Museveni or Janet Museveni, Mike Ssebula will get funding for the publishing and the forward will be written by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta and Hon. Ofwono Opondo. While a honorable mention will go to Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda. That is the future of this sad affair where the people has mourned and been silent; as they should be their fate and future gotten for the moment stolen from them; their own government and government entities has stolen their civic duty and taken it right in front of them.

Amuru Election Statment Paper

The international community should act and not recognize the Presidency of Museveni while the donor funding shut be suspended until the public and citizen’s will has been teared apart in minutes on the screen and days of labor; the Electoral Commission fried the crested cranes and goats while the people was stolen their beans that was promised to their stews. This here is such a wild affair and assessing the manufactured results that make the tally centers look like the Police did the counting instead of Polling Officers and rewriting Declarations Forms as the result did not fit their masters, the police, the army and the President. This here has been a display of arrogance from the NRM-Regime as the Opposition is detained or silenced. There is certainty that the people should react in ways the NRM hasn’t seen before, as the November nomination day and all the rallies been happening across the country should be visible The same crowds could show the level of loyalty and wish for change as the sounds of the campaigns; the way people turned up and cheered for their hopeful in the far corners of Uganda. That is the hope and that was the thing that gave me hope before the tallying and the ballot-papers got pre-ticket or disqualified by the Electoral Commission, and even the non-concern of the voters who never got to give their votes or counted their polling-stations. That should be worry because that is what will be remembered as the fear speeches of NRM regime and the security outfit leaders ahead of the elections. That is the story that will be put a blazed and tarnish the legitimacy of the regime that currently running the great nation; which deserves a government that the people wanted to represent them, not the one that pre-ticket their choice for them and used the government funds to pay Bebe Cool and Dr. Jose Chameleone for free concerts country-wide. That is not the business of a serious government, that is concert promoters job; hope that sinks in Mike Ssebula.

Koboko 18.02.2016 Evelyn Anite Voting

While we mourn and wonder, while we hope the FDC Power 10 structure can bring a change, while we hope that the government and the regime can be toppled in a peaceful way and get the honest result and honest ballots cast that is the fate of the citizen of the country. Then the leadership will deliver and try to deliver as they are will try to work for the ones that elected them and not because the big-man with the hat wanted his loyal YES MEN and BOUGHT cronies into parliament to give-way so he can steal more of the state coffers… Peace.   

Various reactions to the Uganda Elections around the world; worth taking a look at!

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

If you think the Election Observer Monitoring teams had different views on the General Elections and Presidential Elections in Uganda. I have already dropped a few of the State Officials and Presidents who has congratulated President Museveni on his 5th Term. I will not repeat those as I put them on as to prove who is the friend of the man who is now unofficial president for the 7th term; first Russian,  Engel (House Member of Committee of Foreign Affairs, U.S.A.), President Kiir of South Sudan and Ivan Ssemwanga.

Gaba Kampala 18.02.2016 P1

Elliot Engel Statement:

“Since the people of Uganda went to the polls yesterday, I have been deeply concerned by the government’s decision to block social media sites and by reports of pre-marked ballots and inflated tallies in some of the voting stations. These are affronts to a free and fair electoral process. I am likewise dismayed by reports that presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was arrested and that the home of another candidate, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, was surrounded by security forces. I call upon both incumbent President Yoweri”.

Russian Foreign Ministry has said:

Moscow hails the successful general elections in the friendly Uganda, which have proved broad national support for the government’s course towards stable political and socio-economic development” (…)”noted a generally open and peaceful nature of the election campaign and the voting process and observed no serious violations that could affect the results of the popular vote” (RBTH, 2016).

Salva Kiir P2

President Salva Kiir sends message to President Museveni on WhatsApp:

““Congratulations Big brother…..I’ll always take your advice seriously….You are a man of experience” (…)”Are you still in Mbarara (cattle camp)?” (Osobi, 2016).

Celebrating the Victory of Museveni in South Africa:

“South Africa based Ugandan socialite Ivan Ssemwanga was the happiest when Museveni won the Presidential elections and started partying straight away. The Rich Gang boss shared with us a photo while drowning in booze in celebration of President Museveni’s victory” (Bigeye, 2016).

I think this here shows the difference reactions to it… As the American Official condemn the actions of Government, while the Russian friends of Uganda says it is a “Successful election” in their view so they have read the IGAD/EAC/COMESA statements and swallowed it whole as it fits the view of Moscow, Russia. While the friendship between South Sudan and Ugandan Presidents as they have helped each other now and then. Then you have a Ugandan in diaspora who is celebrating. That is enough for now. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi still under house-arrest; Simple story behind how Dr.Besigye was able to sneak in Journalist today; South Sudanese army during the election and little more..

Kasangati 20.02.2016

As the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye has been under house-arrest since his arrival from Naggalama Police Stations together with other FDC Officials who was taken home. ONLY Ingrid Turinawe is still behind bars and not let out as the other once has been released.

Still no charge on the FDC Officials in questions as the Police Force are deliberately following orders form up high to take the Democratic Parties as hostage while the tallying of the votes occurred and before Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu yesterday officiated and officially verified the tally giving the Presidency AGAIN to Museveni.

Why I am I writing now is because of the wondering how Dr. Kizza Besigye could get the interview that has been showed to the public where he talked passionately about the current situation while being under house-arrest in his own home. His beloved wife has told the world how he managed. His loyal and smart staff told the Police Officers that he had escaped from his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District.

While the Police was searching and in panic of losing their main target that was supposed to be on lock-down as the reports came to his house and then had the interview with him. As been seen from his home; since yesterday both Party Officials from FDC was not allowed in; either was Journalists. So that they got in and Dr. Kizza Besigye got to speak his peace was good as the world wanted to hear his opinion and the view of the progression of the general election; how it has unfolded and the determination of the man that has been more in jail than President Museveni has lied on TV.

Muntu 20.02.2016 Kasangati

Erias Lukwago who we’re arrested and detained for trespassing and trying to get to Dr. Kizza Besigye has been released hours after being arrested without warrant or reason for it.

As we can the reasons for it and the heavy deployment of soldiers and mambas, no crowds celebrating the result yesterday, non-except a few people congratulating themselves yesterday, Justine Kasule Lumumba of the NRM sounding like she was in war after the result was delivered in Namboole Stadium and the Tally Centre there. While the representatives of the ones went away in silence as the result was manufactured to meet the requirement of their master President Museveni. The reason why nobody has really celebrated or the public in the streets of Kampala celebrating the genius victory of President Museveni, a reason why the Daily Monitor wrote the word “AGAIN”.

NTV 20.02.2016

While this was happening the Dr. Kizza Besigye was under house-arrest and other FDC Officials in Prison, Hon. Amama Mbabazi is still under house-arrest and Abed Bwanika is detained still. The other candidates is no news on. Only that Elton Joseph Mabirizi has congratulated President Museveni and has given in.

Well, this is for now. It is very silent and doubtfully so; as the people seem to be in sorrow over the declarations and the blantant way the Electoral Commission has done this election and declared the result while taken away massive amount of polling stations, the amount of polling stations unaccounted for is 1778. Which should be a enormous amount of votes that was casted for nothing and not registered in the tally center at Namboole. While also over 30 polling stations alone in Wakiso and Kampala that never got even to vote. This here tells the story of the malfunctions and the disregard for the public will of the Electoral Commission. I know that the world don’t care… or doesn’t take that in consideration, but it will always be remembered the display of irregular activities and the disrespect of people’s will during the general election in 2016. As the army and police has had a leeway to do as they please.

As the reports of 1200 army-men around Kasangati recently this here will help to verify it: 

“The report titled “Brotherly respond to H.E. Yoweri” contained a list of ammunitions taken to Uganda by SPLA soldiers and the location of the SPLA bases in Uganda as well as civilian targets in case of any election fall out” (…)“Last week, a Minister in the office of the President was reported to have taken more than $2 million dollars to Uganda to “help Museveni win election” (…)”In Juba, the sending of the 1400 troops as well as money funding to President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election is seen as a special favour by the government in return for his involvement in south sudan internal conflict, where UPDF sided with the regime in Juba” (Bith, 2016).

Ugandan Election 2016 Grieving

While still two presidential candidates are under house arrest Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hon. Amama Mbabazi, as the world watch this meager display and for the first time; I have not watched the victory speech of President Museveni; as I don’t care for his lies today… but that is just me! Peace.

Reference:

Bith, Jonathan – ‘President Kiir sent an SPLA battlion to ‘help Museveni win the election’ (20.02.2016) link: http://upperniletimes.net/must-read/president-kiir-sent-an-spla-battalion-to-help-museveni-win-election-report/

Statement by ODM Youth on Uganda Elections (21.02.2016)

ODM

We want to congratulate the gallant people of Uganda for coming out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote in the just concluded elections.

You braved the hot sun, persevered in the long queues and triumphed over police brutality and harassment to ensure that you answered to the greater call of democracy.

To the candidates who participated in the elections, you fought a good fight. We acknowledge your contribution to the democratic process and your determination to make Uganda a better place.

Nevertheless, we take note that the integrity of the election results has been contested. As stated by election observer missions, the “elections weren’t free and fair” due to several incidences of irregularities and election malpractices.

But we urge the Ugandan people never to give up. The fight for change and democracy is never an event but a process. The journey may be long and torturous but it must be won someday. We begin to fail only when we give up.

We’ve also taken note of a statement swiftly issued by our president, Mr. Kenyatta, yesterday, purporting to congratulate Mr. Museveni, who is his personal friend and business partner, for “winning” the elections.

We want to clarify that the statement is his personal note to Mr. Museveni, it doesn’t in any way reflect the views of the majority of sober Kenyans.

For your information, Mr. Kenyatta is another illegitimate and compromised president who rose to power after Ugandan judges misadvised Kenyan judges to declare him president.

On very few occasions do we take him seriously as a people as his penchant for putting personal and family business interests above those of our country is a very well known fact.

As you face the realities of the future and challenges ahead, we’ll keep you in our prayers and continue to support your fight for a greater democratic space in your country.

May God bless you.

Thank you.

Release of AUEOM Preliminary Findings of the 18th February 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda (20.02.2016)

NTV 20.02.2016

Kampala, 20 February 2016

“The AUEOM notes that the elections in Uganda were largely peaceful, but not without shortcomings.”

The African Union Commission deployed a Short Term Election Observation Mission to the 18 February 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda. The Mission comprised 40 Short Term Observers from several African countries drawn from the African Union Permanent Representatives’ Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, Election Management Bodies and Civil Society Organizations.
The AUEOM assessed the General Elections in Uganda based on the relevant African Union instruments, namely; the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the 2002 OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions; and the legal framework governing the conduct of elections in Uganda. This statement presents the Mission’s preliminary findings covering pre-voting, voting, counting and tallying processes up to 18 February 2016. The African Union will, however, continue to observe the post-electoral developments and release a final report within the next three months.

Pre-election environment
The AUEOM noted that the legal framework for elections in Uganda provides for, and guarantees the holding of regular elections in conformity with regional and international frameworks. This framework comprises the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Electoral Commission Amendment Act 2015; the Presidential Elections Amendment Act 2015; the Parliamentary Elections Amendment Act 2015; and the Political Parties and Organisations Act 2005.
The AUEOM observed that there is no legal framework for regulating political party campaign financing. The Mission noted that the law expressly prohibits the use of Government resources for campaigning by all candidates and parties, except for the President, as stated in Article 27.1 of the Presidential Elections Act. Stakeholders reported that there has been unprecedented increase in campaign spending.
The AUEOM learned that in 2015 Uganda introduced a National Identity Card System, which required the conduct of a mass biometric registration of citizens aged 16 years and above. The EC extracted information of all registered citizens who were 18 years and above to compile a National Voters’ Register. The AUEOM noted that at the end of the National Voter Registration exercise, there were 15, 277,198 registered voters. This Voters’ Register was continuously updated until 11 May 2015 when the process was concluded in line with the electoral calendar.

The AUEOM noted that, whereas the use of data from the National Register ensured that all citizens from 18 years by the end of the mass registration exercise were registered; interlocutors expressed concern that the 11 May 2015 deadline for updating the Voters Roll left many potential voters who turned 18 years after that date, disenfranchised. The EC collaborated with civil society organizations (CSOs) in conducting voter education. However, the accredited CSOs raised concerns that their efforts were constrained by late provision of materials by the EC. In addition, voter education was generally perceived to be inadequate.

NTV Uganda Presidential Debate 2016

The AUEOM noted that for the first time, two presidential debates were held in Kampala and broadcasted live on television and radio. All 8 presidential candidates were invited to reach out to voters using this platform.

The AUEOM observed that despite the unprecedented political and electoral competition, campaigns were generally conducted within the legal framework. However, the Mission noted the 15 February 2016 incident in Kampala, which led to the arrest of an opposition leader, causing anxiety among opposition supporters. The police informed the Mission that the arrested leader and his party had defied the prescribed campaign route.

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

The Mission noted that women were nominated to run as party and independent candidates in various constituencies and that there was one female Presidential candidate. In addition, women contested for the 112 parliamentary seats specially created for them. The Mission noted the participation of youth in the elections both as candidates and in the campaigns. However, there were concerns raised by some stakeholders of the youth being used by political parties to intimidate and disrupt election campaign rallies of their opponents. The AUEOM noted that besides involvement in voter education initiatives CSOs were involved in domestic observation. Thousands of domestic observers were deployed throughout the country, especially in areas considered as hotspots. The AUEOM noted that in compliance with the legal provisions, the media covered political parties and candidates’ manifestos and campaigns. However, stakeholders felt that the state media provided more coverage to the incumbent president and his party, at the expense of the opposition. It was further reported that private media provided a fairly balanced reporting on all parties and candidates. Besides the mainstream print and electronic media, campaigning was carried out on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp. The AUEOM noted general concerns following the shutdown of social media platforms, by the Uganda Communication Commission from Election Day citing security concerns. The AUEOM noted that there was a generally calm and peaceful pre-election environment with no major security incidents reported.

The AUEOM noted concerns raised by interlocutors with regard to the recruitment, training and deployment of community policing units called Crime Preventers, which they alleged were misused to intimidate opposition parties. The AUEOM was however informed by the police that these were purely crime prevention units at community level with no arresting powers.

The AUEOM noted the lack of trust in security agencies by some opposition parties, which were reported to have created counter units.

Election Day

On Election Day, the teams visited 148 polling stations comprising 60% urban and 40% rural where they observed opening, voting, closing and counting processes. The observers used tablets to capture and transmit real-time observation data to the Mission Command Centre. The AUEOM teams observed opening procedures countrywide and noted that the environment outside these centers was peaceful.
Delays in opening time by up to 4 hours were reported in a number of polling stations. The delays were attributed to late distribution of polling materials. Consequently, opening procedures pertaining to sealing of ballot boxes, identification and verification of voters were not fully adhered to in some cases.
As per the laid down procedure, voters were asked for identification and their names checked against the register before voting. Only a few were turned away because they did not have the required identification, were not on the voters’ register, were at the wrong polling station or were rejected by the Biometric Voter Verification Kit.
With regards to the Biometric Voter Verification Kits, which were introduced for the first time, the AUEOM observed that in some polling stations, the kits worked well, hence hastening the verification process; while in some stations, they were not used because they were either not working, or the election personnel did not have access pass codes.
As an additional identification and voting facilitation measure, voter identification slips were used to direct voters to the right voting station within a voting center. Voter processing times were reasonable and mostly ranged from no more than 3 minutes in 54% of the polling stations and between 3-6 minutes in 39% of the polling station stations observed.
The AUEOM observer teams observed closing procedures at 4:00pm and beyond in areas where polling was extended because of late opening.
Closing and counting procedures were not strictly adhered to in all polling stations visited. For example, there were instances where polling officials and agents did not reconcile the number of registered voters with the number of people who actually voted. In a majority of polling stations observed, party/ candidate agents were furnished with a copy of the results form by the presiding officer.

Kaabong 18.02.2016

Conclusion

The AUEOM congratulates the people of Uganda for turning up in large numbers to perform their civic duty.

While we note that the election process is ongoing, the AUEOM’s overall assessment of the 2016 General Elections thus far, is that they were largely peaceful, but not without shortcomings; in particular, the late delivery of election materials. The late delivery led to more than 4 hours of delays in the opening of polling stations. The Mission wishes to underscore that this impacted on the overall conduct of polling day operations, and caused anxiety and tension among the voters and polling officials, which could have been avoided.

Based on its preliminary findings, the AUEOM makes the following recommendations: The AUEOM encourages the Electoral Commission to:
• Adhere to the prescribed 48 hour time frame for delivery of materials as provided in the Electoral Act, when distributing election materials to polling stations;
• Conduct continuous voter education and voter registration;
• Strengthen training for polling personnel to avoid inconsistencies in implementation of polling procedures;
• Consider using indoor polling in order to create order around the stations and to protect polling officials, voters and materials from weather elements; and • Consider adopting voting booths that ensure the secrecy of the ballot.

The AUEOM recommends that the Government provide adequate resources to the Electoral Commission to conduct continuous voter registration and voter education and enable timely procurement of election materials.

To Parliament, the AUEOM recommends that it:
• Develops legislation to regulate political party and campaign finance; and
• Concludes electoral reforms at least a year before elections to allow for timely preparation and implementation.

The AUEOM encourages the public broadcaster to provide equitable coverage to all candidates.

The AUEOM recommends that Political Parties avoid the usage of inflammatory language during campaigns and inciting supporters.

Lastly, the AUEOM recommends that the Police enforce the law equally on all parties and candidates, and desist from heavy handedness when dealing with the public, political parties and candidates.

The AUEOM will continue to observe the tallying and other post-election developments and issue a comprehensive report three months after the announcement of the election results.

Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo
Head of the African Union Election Observer Mission