Lukwago challenges EC campaign ban in court

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has petitioned the High Court in Kampala, seeking the declaration of a ban on election campaigns in the city and other districts of Uganda over Covid19.

On December 26, Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama banned campaign meetings in the cities of Kampala, Masaka, Jinja and Mbarara, as well as  seven districts: Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Wakiso, Kalungu, Kazo, and Tororo.

The EC classified these as areas with the highest spread of Covid19, according to Ministry of Health (MoH) data.

Just over two days since the EC issued the directive, Lukwago, who is seeking reelection as Kampala Lord Mayor, wants court to nullify the order, arguing that it contravened freedom of assembly and association.

Lukwago also argues that as a concerned citizen and a candidate, he was not granted a right to fair hearing and treatment before the EC issued the orders.