Byabakama’s scientific election

Genesis of election violence

Kyagulanyi’s arrest came a few hours  after IGP Martin Okoth Ochola said the Electoral and Political Offences Department at CID headquarters, had obtained videos of the presidential candidates’ campaign trails from which they based to gather evidence to arrest Kyagulanyi and the Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the FDC presidential flag bearer.

Ochola said despite repeated warnings issued to candidates, their agents and wider public about the negative impact and health risks of holding “unauthorized rallies and processions, we continue to witness acts of defiance and total disregard of the EC guidelines.”

Ochola said the COVID-19 pandemic can only be controlled if all the candidates vying for the presidential, parliamentary and Local Government positions adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines, with regulated gatherings of not more than 200 people and the use of new media (online media), to help safeguard the health and safety of all Ugandans and visitors to the country.

“While we understand the right to freedom of expression as a very important part of democracy, unauthorized assemblies are currently prohibited under the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health guidelines,” the statement signed by Ochola read in part.

However, critics said the security personnel have continued witch-hunting opposition presidential candidates in their campaigns as they battle for statehouse. The critics say while President Museveni’s supporters are allowed to have processions, it is not the same case with the oppositions.

“A section of oppositions candidates have not been allowed to campaign in certain parts of the country…or are welcome with the tear gas,” the critics said in reference to security’s decision to block Kyagulanyi from campaigning in Mbale City and Sironko and Tumukunde’s blocked campaigns in Kisoro, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko.

It remains to be seen how the next 50 days will go as police vows to continue with their crackdown on errant presidential candidates.

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