The IGP Martin Okoth Ochola is yet to respond to an Electoral Commission -EC write up to his office demanding Police to desist from continuous interference of opposition presidential candidates’ meetings.
In a letter dated 26 November 2020 the EC chief Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, says presidential candidates have complained of constant interference of their campaign meetings by police.
He says unnecessary interruptions of candidates doing their scheduled campaigns paint a negative image of the entire campaign process.
“As you are aware, after the nomination exercise, Presidential Candidates harmonized their respective campaign programs covering the entire country for the duration of the gazetted campaign period. The Commission has provided a copy of this program, including changes as they are officially made, to all stakeholders including the Uganda Police Force,” he said.
Byabakama says Police must ensure that the electoral process is peaceful as the law requires.
“This is, therefore, to urge you to facilitate the smooth actualization of this electoral activity, and ensure that there is no disruption and/or such blocking of the harmonized campaign program. he noted
He says it is a legal right for presidential candidates to move and access the designated venues for as long as they keep the numbers in check during a political meeting.
“In that regard, Presidential Candidates have a right to move and access the designated campaign venues, and hold their campaign meetings, in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines as issued by the Electoral Commission,” Byabakama wrote.
Opposition candidates have in the past two weeks fallen victim to police action and brutality. Police have constantly blocked campaign meetings and in worse scenarios arrested and clashed with their supporters.
