Mbabazi sets July, August to meet voters countrywide

Mbabazi sets July, August to meet voters countrywide

BY KIHEMBO WILBERT

Kampala.

Former prime minister Amama Mbabazi has officially informed the Electoral Commission (EC) that he will be a candidate in the 2016 race and will start his voter interaction programme in July.

In the June 16 letter, which the EC received on the same day, Mr Mbabazi said his nationwide consultations will start on July 9 in Mbale and end in his home district of Kanungu on August 1.

“In accordance with S.3 of the Presidential Elections Act [16 of 2005], this is to introduce myself as an aspiring candidate for president for the 2016 general elections. I publicly announced my candidature and find herewith attached a copy of my statement. I will conduct nationwide consultations to prepare my nominations,” the letter reads in part.

According to his programme, Mr Mbabazi will after Mbale, move to the north and WestNile before coming to Buganda. He will be in Kampala on July 17. Mr Mbabazi, will then move to the west and conclude his programme on August 1. In all, Mr Mbabazi will traverse 25 districts spread out in the four regions of the country.

The EC chairperson, Mr Badru Kiggundu, was unable to comment on Mr Mbabazi’s move as he said he was in a meeting. The electoral body’s spokesperson, Mr Jotham Taremwa, said he could not comment on the letter because he has not seen it.

According to the official EC programme, nominations for presidential candidates are set for October 5 to 6.

Mr Tanga Odoi, the NRM electoral chairperson, also declined to comment on the matter.

Mr Mbabazi announced his presidential bid in a five-minute recorded video in the wee hours of Monday morning.

President Museveni in a response to the announcement accused Mr Mbabazi of premature electioneering, saying his bid contravened both the NRM rules and the EC electoral roadmap.

Presidency minister Frank Tumwebaze last evening said Mr Mbabazi should play by the rules and wondered why he was in a hurry.

“Why does he (Mbabazi) want to be offside? Why doesn’t he want to follow the electoral calendar? Why the rush to campaign?” he asked.

What the law says

Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act [16 of 2005] states:

1) An aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within twelve months before the nomination date.

(2) While consulting under subsection (1), a presidential aspirant may—

(a) carry out nation-wide consultations;

(b) prepare his or her manifesto and other campaign materials;

(c) raise funds for his or her campaign through lawful means;

(d) convene meetings of national delegates.

(3) While consulting, the aspirant shall introduce himself or herself to the Commission and notify the relevant local council and the police of the area to which he or she goes.