Electoral Commission Bans Mass Rallies In Kayunga By-Election

Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson

The Electoral Commission (EC) has banned mass rallies during the Kayunga District n seat by-election campaigns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga town last week, Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson said ahead of January elections, some politicians forcefully held mass rallies, claiming he was just cooking up pandemic “and yet Covid-19 struck”

The meeting was attended by political party and religious leaders, sub county chiefs and chairpersons and representatives from the Civil Society Organizations.

Nomination of candidates is slated for November 29 and 30 while elections will be on December 16, 2021.

In order to limit numbers during nominations, Byabakama said only the candidate and his proposer and seconder will be allowed at the kayunga District headquarters nomination centre.

Kayunga district chairperson n seat fell vacant after the mysterious death of Muhammad Ffeffekka sserubogo (NUP) in June, who was barely a month into office.

“The Kayunga District Chairman by-election is the highest post in all by-elections in all the by-elections we are going to have in the entire country. Therefore, the entire commission would be here moving around the district to ensure a credible election,” Byabakama said.

The EC chairperson also appealed to political party leaders to prevail over their supporters not to cause violence during their elections.

“Whenever there is an election, kayunga becomes Kayunga. There is no substitute for peace and stability. We are going to work with police so that anyone who breaks the law is dealt with accordingly,” he said.

He tasked political party leaders to identify their flag bearers early enough to avoid issues during nomination.

Byabakama also announced that Rashid Musinguzi who has been the district returning officer has been replaced by Janepher Kyobutungi.