Africa-Press – Uganda. The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, has warned against the use of violence in the electoral process, describing it as a serious threat to democracy and the will of the people as enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with the Equal Opportunities Commission, Byabakama said it is unacceptable for Uganda’s electoral process to be “soaked in blood,” emphasising that no genuine democratic process should be characterised by violence and intimidation.
“Our elections should not be soaked in blood the blood of Ugandans. What kind of democracy is that?” he questioned.
“The determinant of who is a powerful and credible candidate should be decided at the polling station, not through coercion or chaos.”
He urged all political players and their supporters to reject violence, which he noted is often orchestrated by individuals, not circumstances.
“It is not our chickens or goats that perpetrate violence. It is we, the people. This must stop,” he said.
Byabakama emphasised that the Electoral Commission does not enforce the law but relies on law enforcement agencies such as the Uganda Police Force to hold offenders accountable.
He revealed that the EC is in active coordination with the police leadership to ensure action is taken against perpetrators.
“Assaulting voters, using sectarian or chauvinistic language, intimidating opponents all these are against the law,” he said. “It is the duty of every responsible citizen to report such behaviour.”
He called for tolerance and respect during political campaigns, urging supporters of various candidates to allow rivals the space to hold their own rallies without obstruction.
The EC boss also criticised candidates who defy election regulations under the guise of demonstrating strength.
“Some people insist on doing things their way. Then when law enforcement steps in, they claim victimhood,” he said. “Even during the 2020 nominations, some violated COVID SOPs and then blamed the Commission when the police intervened.”
Justice Byabakama reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and rule of law, stressing that the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process must be safeguarded by all citizens.
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