Youth Raise concerns over the Electoral Commission Member’s appointments.
KABALE: The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has clarified that the president of Uganda is mandated by the law to appoint the Members of the Electoral Commission.
The EC Chairperson was responding to questions from the students during the public lecture on the role of youth in universities and tertiary institutions in the electoral processes in Uganda
An engagement held on Monday at Kabale University playground, was attended by students from various institutions including the host Kabale University, Uganda College of Commerce Kabale (UCC), African College of Commerce and Technology (ACCT), Bishop Barham University College Kabale, among others.
Justice Simon Byabakama said that the Commission is mandated under the Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, to ensure regular, free and fair elections.
He sighted out that at a number of occasions youth who are over 70% of Uganda’s population are commonly used by the politicians to promote Election Violence and many other evil deeds that put their lives at risk.
Justice Simon Byabakama further encouraged the Youth to actively participate in all the Electoral process, including; Voter Registration, Voter education, Voter Vilification and also voting their Leaders.
Students/young leaders questioned why an independent Electoral Commission can be appointed by a President believing that the same commission will have a hand in protecting the individuals who appointed them into officers during an elections period.
The Students further proposed an amendment in the Electoral Commission’s appointments act and allow an independent judicially body to lead the appointment of the Electoral commission body in Uganda.
Among other concerns raised include; Vote rigging, Misplacement of Names during Election seasons, Harassment of Agents and Candidates, Multiple Voting, among others.
