EC calls for free Butaleja by-election

The Electoral Commission asks residents to be orderly in the by-election to fill the position of the Butaleja District Woman MP.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued tough guidelines ahead of the Butaleja District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
EC chairman Badru Kiggundu appealed to political party flag bearers and independent candidates and their supporters to observe law and order, adding that they were working with security forces in the area.

“We must adhere to the conditions and the law during the campaigns. We don’t want the habit of voter bribery and forging academic papers. If one is found with forged academic papers, he will be arrested and prosecuted,” Mr Kiggundu said while addressing different stakeholders at Butaleja District headquarters on Friday.

The Butaleja District Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of Cerinah Nebanda on December 14.

Mr Kiggundu revealed that most times, candidates use fake academic documents made from Nasser Road in Kampala, and later end up losing their seats when challenged in court later.
“Let us avoid this, if you don’t have papers, step down because it’s useless to waste your time, state funds and our valuable time here,” Mr Kiggundu said.

According to the by-election programme, updating of voters register will be held between January 5 and 9, while nominations for candidates will take place on January 21 and 22, and thereafter campaigns will kick off for 18 days.

The Butaleja Resident District Commissioner, Capt Martha Asimwe, told people at the meeting that as the head of security, they were willing to cooperate with the EC to ensure that the election will be peaceful.

Among the people expected to contest for the seat is the late Nebanda’s elder sister, Ms Florence Nebanda Adiru, 27, who declared her intentions to contest on NRM ticket.

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