By Kabuye Ronald
The chairperson Uganda Independent Electoral commission, Justice Simon Byabakama has assured the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine and the nation that the institution he heads is still in charge of the electoral process.
Speaking shortly after his meeting with candidate Bobi wine and NUP delegation, Justice Byabakama explained that police’s role in the electoral process is to ensure that Standard Operating Procedures against Covid19 and other set guidelines are followed and enforced.
It should be noted that on Wednesday afternoon, Bobi wine formerly lodged his complaint over unfair treatment and harassment by security agencies during his campaigns.
During the three and half hours meeting, Hon. Kyagulanyi challenged the Electoral Commission to exercise its constitutional authority over agencies in regulating the campaign meetings. He noted that the Commission does not seem to be fully in charge because it has failed to prevail over security agencies, who are using excessive force in the name of enforcing observance of Campaign Guidelines and SOPs for prevention of spread of Covid-19.
He shared with the Commission pictures depicting violent treatment of his supporters by security agencies. He expressed strong fear that his life as well as the lives of members of his team and supporters. He reported that several scheduled campaign meetings had been blocked by Police over the past three weeks, and he had been denied access to radio stations in at least three districts.
Justice Byabakama undertook to engage with Uganda Police to address issues raised by Bobi Wine, and ensure free and fair electoral process. He urged the candidate and his supporters to observe the SOPs for the campaigns since everyone has an equal role to play in order to have a free and fair elections. It should be noted that on Tuesday, Bobi wine suspended his campaigning program after his car was shot at on the wind screens and tyres leading to its break down. The incident followed the injuring of the head of his security detail handed to him by the EC ASP Kato William and his music producer sir. Dan Magic using a sharp object by the police in Kayunga on the head and mouth and
