The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Fred Ruhindi has moved a motion in the Parliament of Uganda proposing a code of conduct for political parties, their candidates and independent candidates during elections.

Parliament of Uganda

The Constitution requires Parliament to prescribe a code of conduct for political parties and organizations.

The Code of Conduct prohibits political parties, organizations and independent candidates from using language that may provoke violence, intimidation of members or supporters of any party, organization or candidate.

The Code of Conduct also prohibits use of abusive or insulting language; publishing false of defamatory allegations in connection with an election in respect of a political party or organization or its candidates.

It also prohibits the ferrying of supporters from one campaign area to another where a political meeting or rally is being held, except for official members of the candidate’s entourage.

The Minister moved the motion under Sections 19 and 27 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005 and Rule 43 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament.

Sections 19 and 27 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005 require the Minister responsible for justice and constitutional affairs in consultation with the Electoral Commission and political parties and organizations, and with the approval of Parliament to prescribe by regulations a code of conduct for political parties and organizations.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga who was presiding over Parliament referred the motion to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for consideration.