Following the Electoral Commission’s Election Road map, general guidelines were issued to all Presidential Aspirants seeking to conduct consultative meetings in preparation for nominations. The guidelines are consistent with the provisions of Sec. 3 of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005, which clearly enjoins aspiring candidates to carry out consultations through meetings with national delegates, on how to raise funds for campaigns through lawful means, in preparation of the manifesto and other campaign materials as well as carrying out nation-wide consultations; in preparation for nominations.
It has however, been noted with serious concern that individual aspirants have failed to fully comply with these provisions of holding consultations in confined spaces, and instead seen to be holding rallies and mass meetings which are prohibited actions.
It is against this background that the Police which has the primary responsibility of ensuring lawfulness and orderliness of all electoral events including consultative meetings has intervened in line with the electoral security coordination plan to stop aspirants violating these electoral provisions. Today, 9th September, 2015, the police blocked and dispersed a public rally by the Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi at Soroti Sports grounds after it was found to be in violation of the law. He however, went on to hold a town hall meeting with his delegates and supporters at Soroti Town Hall in adherence to the guidelines issued by the Electoral body.
For clarification, what took place within the FDC party was not within the context of Sec. 3 of the Presidential Elections Act and should not be confused as a consultative process but a lawful process to determine the party flag bearer that was managed under the provisions of the Public Order Management Act.
The Police shall continue applying the laws to anyone promoting conflict within the electoral laws to minimize the risk of violence and to also ensure all aspirants follow logical steps laid out in the Electoral Commission Elections Road map.
CP Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
09.09.2015
