EC boss Byabakama speaks on Bobi Wine protests, threatens to cancel defiant candidates’ campaigns

Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has warned the elections body could cancel campaigns of some presidential candidates for flouting Covid19 prevention guidelines and inciting violence.

Justice Byabakama noted that the EC had noted the unease and tension caused by the protests occasioned by the arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

He revealed that the commission was following up on the matter with relevant authorities.

Byabakama appealed for calm among members of the public. He further urged candidates to encourage their supporters to refrain from acts of violence.

The EC boss went on to warm candidates that the Commission would take tough action against them for flouting Covid19 prevention guidelines and stoking fires of violence.

“The commission wishes to caution and warn all candidates for whichever elective position to desist from holding their campaigns in a manner that violates the guidelines for conducting campaign meets,” said Byabakama.

He also reminded candidates holding meetings of more than 200 participants, processions and rallies would attract sanctions.

The EC chairperson further told candidates to stick to their campaign programs and desist from holding meetings in undesignated venues.

Recently, security blocked Patrick Oboi Amuriat of main opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) from holding a meeting in Kitgum to allow incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) hold his in the same district.

“The commission warns all candidates that continued violation of the guidelines may attract cancellation of the campaign program,” noted Byabakama.