The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The new EC:
1. Justice Simon M. Byabakama – Chairperson
2. Hajjati Aisha Lubega – Deputy Chairperson
3. Mr. Peter Emorut – Member
4. Mr. Stephen Tashobya – Member
5. Prof. George Piwang – Member
6. Mr. Mustapha Ssebagala Kigozi – Member
President Yoweri Museveni has nominated Court of Appeal’s Justice Simon M. Byabakama to replace Badru Kiggundu as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. He also nominated the rest of the Electoral Commission members.
The President has forwarded the proposed names to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, for Parliamentary consideration and approval.
Kiggundu bid farewell to the EC this week after his term expired.
“I have had two terms of office. That is enough. I am a law–abiding Ugandan,” Dr Kiggundu said in a press conference referring to the Electoral Commission act that provides for the chairman and commissioners being at the helm for two terms of seven years each.
Commissioners – Joseph Biribonwa, Stephen Ongaria, Dr Jenny Akello and Tom Buruku are also retiring along with him.
Dr.Badru giving his last speech as chairman @UgandaEc pic.twitter.com/RHskzrhH0z
— Electoral Commission (@UgandaEc) November 16, 2016
Full House here at Imperial Royale Hotel as @UgandaEc family bids farewell to chairman Kiggundu. #14years of service pic.twitter.com/XrAln0LGHx
— Sam Rwakoojo (@srwakoojo) November 16, 2016
In his last press conference held on Nov.15, Kiggundu said among the challenges he has faced during his tenure include persistent negative perception of the commission as being partisan, poor remuneration of staff, late enactment or amendment of electoral laws and commercialization of politics among others.
It’s on this note that he recommended for training of staff in electoral management.
President Museveni appointed Kiggundu to be the chairman of Electoral Commission in November 2002 replacing the Late Aziz Kasujja.
However, even before his term ended, Kiggundu had already been given a new responsibility by the president to chair the committee overseeing successful completion of Karuma and Isimba dams currently under construction.
