Byabakama clarified that the law vests authority in him to disqualify any aspirant who, once convicted beyond doubt, is found guilty of bribing voters.
All fundraising functions including those organized by religious and other public institutions, have been put to a halt up to the end of the election period next year.
The directive was sounded by the chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC) Justice Simon Byabakama in a press meeting at the commission headquarters, during which he cautioned nominated aspirants against engagement in any actions calculated to influence voters’ decisions like cash handouts, gifts and other goodwill gestures at functions.
Byabakama clarified that the law vests authority in him to disqualify any aspirant who, once convicted beyond doubt, is found guilty of bribing voters.
Relatedly, the commission chair disclosed that he is going to officially communicate the directive to the Inter Religious Council (IRC) regarding fundraising functions in places of worship. He also gave directives to be followed to the dot by aspirants.
They include a ban on campaigning before drawing of the road map, those with any complaints to forward them to the commission in writing instead of rushing to air out their issues in media outlets, observing peace and security by politicians and voters, and for independent candidates to provide logos selected from the 20 provided by the commission, to be appended to the ballot papers.
Byabakama also directed that secretary generals of parties whose members may fall out of the race after nomination formalities to inform the council in writing, and that a similar directive is to be observed by independent candidates.
Those going for nominations will be required to pay prescribed fees for the various positions, and to move with not more than two vehicles and a maximum of ten people, and after acquisition of police clearance.
Presidential aspirants are to be nominated between 23rd and 24th September at the site for the construction of the EC headquarters at Lubowa.
Presidential aspirants must be Ugandans of 18 years and above, and must have collected 100 signatures of registered voters from 100 districts, in addition to payment of a mandatory sh20m.
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