Africa-Press – Uganda. Western Uganda is experiencing a surge in political tension, fueled by allegations of a systematic campaign to intimidate opposition candidates and suppress their voices.
The core of the conflict revolves around the widespread removal and destruction of opposition campaign posters, a practice opposition leaders claim is orchestrated, or at least tacitly condoned, by security forces.
This escalating situation casts a shadow over the fairness and transparency of upcoming elections, raising serious concerns about the ability of opposition parties to effectively compete in the region.
The accusations are widespread, emanating from across the Kigezi, Tooro, Bunyoro, and Ankole regions.
The impact of the actions is not just in the abuse of electoral laws but also extend to the pockets of political aspirants. Printing posters is expensive and for every poster defaced or removed, there is some good money involved depending on the size of the poster.
The deliberate removal or defacement of campaign posters is an electoral offence under the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Presidential Elections Act of 2005.
These laws prohibit interference with the lawful campaign activities of any candidate, including tampering with their posters.
Individuals found guilty of such actions may face fines or imprisonment, as the law seeks to ensure a fair and equal campaigning environment for all candidates.
Leaders from various opposition parties, predominantly the National Unity Platform (NUP), have publicly voiced their concerns, painting a picture of a climate of fear designed to silence dissenting voices and create a misleading perception of overwhelming support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
One prominent voice is Gladys Kabasinguzi, an aspiring NUP candidate for Mwenge County. M
s Kabasinguzi alleges a dramatic escalation in the removal of her campaign posters following a recent presidential tour promoting the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the area.
“The intensity increased significantly after the president’s visit,” she stated.
“Our posters are vanishing daily. This isn’t simply vandalism; it’s a calculated attempt to silence us and create a false narrative of unanimous NRM support across the Western region.”
These claims are corroborated by numerous other opposition figures who describe a pattern of intimidation extending beyond the removal of posters.
Anecdotal evidence suggests incidents of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and threats directed at opposition supporters.
While concrete evidence directly linking security forces to these acts remains elusive, the sheer volume of reported poster removals, combined with accounts of intimidation, fuels suspicion of official involvement or at least a willful blindness to the ongoing campaign.
The sheer scale of the poster removals prompts questions about whether this is mere vandalism or a deliberate strategy to manipulate public perception.
By systematically removing opposition materials, the argument goes, the ruling party or its supporters can create a visual landscape suggesting overwhelming support, thus discouraging potential opposition voters and reinforcing the NRM’s image of dominance.
The accusations against security forces are particularly troubling, given their mandated role in maintaining law and order.
The opposition’s claims suggest a potential abuse of power, with security personnel either actively participating in the removal of posters or, at the very least, failing to adequately investigate these incidents.
This alleged inaction, if true, constitutes a serious breach of impartiality and a significant threat to the democratic process.
The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC), however, remains on the sidelines. Julius Muchunguzi, the EC spokesperson, stated that the commission is not responsible for regulating political posters.
“The Electoral Commission has not yet nominated any candidates for any position,” Muchunguzi said.
“We urge all those involved to adhere to the guidelines and laws governing municipalities, cities, and town councils.”
This statement, while technically accurate, fails to address the broader concerns about intimidation and the potential suppression of opposition voices.
It leaves a vacuum in accountability, leaving opposition parties with little recourse within the formal electoral framework.
The significance of this situation extends beyond the purely symbolic nature of campaign posters.
These materials are essential tools for disseminating information and mobilizing support.
Their systematic removal effectively restricts the opposition’s reach, hindering their ability to connect with voters and communicate their policy positions.
This limitation of access represents a direct challenge to the democratic principle of free and fair elections.
The Fort Portal City mayor, Edison Asaba Ruyonga, has acknowledged the opposition voices over the issue but distanced his office from the acts.
He cautioned all politicians in the region to respect everyone’s right to expression.
Fort Portal’s Resident City Commissioner, Stanley Bayole, who heads security in the city, said investigations are underway and called for cooperation with all security agencies when erecting posters.
“We urge calm. Let every political group follow lawful procedures when carrying out campaign activities.”
The current situation in Western Uganda highlights the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and ensuring a free and fair political environment.
The allegations of intimidation raise crucial questions about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and the potential for manipulation of the electoral process.
Failure to address these concerns comprehensively risks undermining trust in the electoral system, deepening political divisions, and potentially impacting the stability of the region.
The coming weeks and months will be pivotal. The actions taken by the government, security forces, and the Electoral Commission to investigate these claims and ensure a level playing field for all will serve as a key indicator of Uganda’s commitment to democratic principles and the fair conduct of elections.
International scrutiny will remain high, and any evidence of widespread intimidation could have significant consequences for the country’s international standing.
The removal of opposition posters is not merely an act of vandalism; it’s a symptom of a deeper struggle for political space, fair competition, and the right of opposition voices to be heard.
The resolution of this conflict will have long-term implications for the political landscape of Western Uganda and the nation as a whole.
Urgent and impartial action is required to establish the truth, hold those responsible to account, and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The future of democratic participation in Western Uganda depends on it.
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