EC to spend Shs850m on Rukungiri Woman MP by-election
Electoral Commission, deputy Chairperson, Ms Aisha Lubega (L) and Commissioner Justine Aheebwa address journalists on Rukungiri by-elections at EC headquarters in Kampala on April 5, 2018. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OUMA
What you need to know:
- Over 171,000 voters are expected to cast their vote in this by-election at 280 polling stations.
- The seat fell vacant after Court of Appeal nullified the election of Winfred Komuhangi on March 22, 2018 on grounds that there were gross irregularities in the February 2016 general elections in which she emerged victor.
The Electoral Commission is to spend about Shs850 million on the May 31 Rukungiri District woman MP by-election.
The seat fell vacant after Court of Appeal nullified the election of Winfred Komuhangi on March 22, 2018 on grounds that there were gross irregularities in the February 2016 general elections in which she was declared winner.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Thursday, the deputy EC chairperson, Ms Aisha Lubega said they set May 31 as polling date in accordance with a statutory deadline for holding a parliamentary by-election within 60 days.
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"The commission received a statutory notice from the clerk to parliament on April 4 and in this case, the deadline is June 3. The fact that this day is a public holiday, we found May 31 favourable," said Mrs Lubega.
According to Ms Lubega, the national voters register will be updated between April 16 and 20 and a consultative stakeholders meeting will be held April 19.
"The stakeholders meeting will involve all political party representatives, religious leaders, civil society organisations, district leaders and security officers among others, " she said.
Nomination of candidates will take place at the district headquarters on May 2 and 3rd with campaigns scheduled to take place between May 4 and 29.
"All the candidates in this race will pay Shs3M as nomination fees," added Mr Jotham Taremwa the commission’s spokesperson.
Ms Lubega also revealed that fundraising activities have been banned with a purpose of paving way for a levelled ground for candidates in the race.
The director of operations at the commission, Mr Leonard Mwekwah said Shs850 million is to be spent by the commission to organize this by election.
Over 171,000 voters are expected to cast their vote in this by-election at 280 polling stations.
All candidates have been urged; to observe law and order during the by-election, to conduct campaign meetings in accordance with the harmonised programme and also avoid hate speech.
