By Kabuye Ronald
Kampala Lord Mayor and candidate for the same position Ssalongo Erias Lukwago through his lawyer Ssekanjako Abubakar has petitioned court against electoral commission suspension of campaign meeting in 12 cities and districts.
Lukwago argues that EC’s suspension of campaigns was illegal, irrational and ultra vires and it violates the right to associate, assemble and interface with the electorate and the entire citizenry which is the cornerstone of a free and fair election.
“This decision isn’t backed by any law and whereas we appreciate that Covid-19 is here, the SoPs issued by the Ministry of Health can be adhered to so that the candidates aren’t deprived of their right to disseminate political agenda which constitutes an essential element of social contract between them and the electorate. ” said Lukwago
Lukwago therefore asked Court to quash the decision by the E.C Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama that restrains, stops and prevents campaign meetings in Kampala and other cities and districts.
On saturday, the electoral commission suspended campaign meetings in the districts and cities that are categorised by the ministry of health as having high spread of Covid19 by the electoral commission which include: Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Wakiso, Kabarole, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo, Kampala & Tororo
