Speaker Rebecca Kadaga

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt.Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has re-echoed the need for the government to table electoral reforms early to avoid past mistakes.

Kadaga said that the pursuit for electoral reforms started in the 9th Parliament with a call for a complete overhaul of the electoral system and institutions.
“A lot of consultations and recommendations were made but the process was interrupted by the preparations and the actual elections of February 2016,” she said.

The Speaker made these remarks while opening a conference on “Reflections on the 2016 Elections” held at the Protea Hotel on.

Kadaga added that following the elections, local and international observers made recommendations for electoral reforms for free, fair and credible elections.

“I hope these recommendations are followed and the reforms made sooner than later,” she said before adding that, “The Supreme Court in its ruling on the 2016 election process also underscored the need for structural and legal reforms which could create a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections”

The Speaker called on government to table the reforms not later than the Third Session of the 10th Parliament to avoid the panic that comes with delays.

“The House is ready. I encourage the MPs to bring their own motions and not wait for the government. Let us bite the bullet and move with our own proposals,” Kadaga stressed.

The Secretary of the Electoral Commission, Sam Rwakoojo said that if the laws are passed late, the Commission is not in position to help the persons involved in the election process.

“The Supreme Court made its ruling. We have only three years from the date of that judgment to the time government should present the reforms. We need these laws in place,” he noted.

Margaret Sekaggya Executive Director Human Rights Centre Uganda.

The Executive Director of the Human Rights Centre, Margret Ssekagya said that the Attorney General has to make recommendations from the judgment and present them to Parliament.

“We hope the AG takes up his role, lobby and encourage government to adopt the recommendations which will then be tabled before Parliament and later implemented if passed,” Ssekagya said.

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Uganda Electoral Commision Chairman, Eng. Badru Kiggundu

There has been a lot of speculation in print, broadcast media, streets and leisure scenes on when the workers would be paid their money amounting to billions of shillings.

The Secretary to the commission, Sam Rwakoojo says their commission regrets the delays which he attributes to the closure of the financial year 2009/2010.

Rwakojo says seven billion shillings has already been cleared for payment adding that the rest will be paid soon.

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The Secretary of the Electoral Commission, Sam Rwakoojo says the commission wants the interim local governments created in the new districts ahead of the 2011 general elections in Uganda.

Uganda Electoral Commision Chairman, Eng. Badru Kiggundu

Addressing journalists in Kampala today, Rwakoojo said the elections are to be held through electoral colleges’ and by secret ballot.

The Electoral College for the election of the district chairperson will comprise of all members of the original district councils representing the sub- counties and will be elected from among them.

He says a date for the elections will be announced by end of the week. The Secretary adds that the new districts take effect from Thursday July 1 this year. They include Butambala, Lwengo, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Buvuma, Kyankwanzi, Ngora, Serere, and Kiryandongo among others.

Walakira Nyanzi, Ultimate Media

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