EC releases roadmap to replace Abiriga
KAMPALA.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced a roadmap to replace former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga.
According to the programme, nominations will be conducted between July 19 and July 20.
Abiriga alongside his brother, also bodyguard, Saidi Kongo, were assassinated by men moving on a motorcycle at Kawanda, Wakiso District, on June 8 at around 7pm as he returned home.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the EC Chairman, while addressing the media in Kampala yesterday announced that the election would take place on August 15.
“Nomination of candidates will be conducted on July 19 and 20 at Arua District headquarters. This will be followed by a five-day period where the public will access the candidates’ nomination papers and will be able to lodge complaints, if any, on suitability of the candidates to contest in the by-election,” Mr Byabakama said.
The EC boss said fundraising activities have been banned from within the Municipality with effect from July 9 to allow a leveled ground for all candidates in the race.
He warned that any candidate who shall be found fundraising risks being disqualified.
Arua Municipality has 45,184 voters and 65 polling stations, which will be updated from July 5 to 9 at stations within each of the six wards on different appointed dates.
“The EC has appointed July 9 as the cut-off date for registration and or transfer of voting location for Arua Municipality. This exercise will enable Uganda citizens of 18 years and above, who either reside or originate in parishes/wards within Arua Municipality, and who have not had their photographs and bio-data,” he said.
EC secretary Sam Rwakoojo said the by-election would cost more than Shs504m and urged candidates and voters to remain peaceful. Candidates have been cautioned against inciting violence before, during and after election period.
LC1 elections
Justice Byabakama denied receiving any notification from EU committing to fund LC1 elections so that voting is by secret ballot as opposed to lining behind candidates, a mode that has been criticised as likely to result in chaos.
“Even if we received sacks of money today, we cannot have a secret ballot for LC1 elections because that is what the law stipulates,” Mr Byabakama said.
LC1 elections are slated for next month.
