THIS WEEK: LC elections suspended again Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Electoral Commission on Oct.13 suspended Local Council (LC) elections following two court orders calling for halting the exercise. The suspended elections include those for women councils which were supposed to happen on November 14 and local council administrative …
Read More »Oulanyah faults Museveni on Electoral Commission budget
Kampala, Uganda | PWATCHUG| The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has blamed President Yoweri Museveni for inadequately funding the Electoral Commission. Oulanyah said this while meeting officials from the Electoral Commission led by its Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, who complained of lack of funds to hold elections in seven …
Read More »Electoral Commission asks for pay rise
Staff of Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) on Friday petitioned the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga over a salary increment. They also complained that the Standard Gauge Railway is going to displace them from their headquarters. In their petition brought to the speaker by the EC’s commissioners and Secretary Sam Rwakojjo, they …
Read More »ANALYSIS: Here’s what would happen if LCI elections were held
If held, Local Council One (LCI) elections would be the biggest political event in the country after the Presidential, Parliamentary, and district elections, but it now appears they will not be held any time soon. The question is why? Part of the reason appears obvious. There was no Electoral Commission …
Read More »New Uganda Electoral Commission members sworn in
Seven newly appointed commissioners of the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) have been sworn in by the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe. Those sworn in are chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, deputy Hajat Aisha Lubega, Ahabwe Mugabi, Steven Tashobya , Ssebaggala Kigozi, Peter Emorut and Nathaline Etomaru. At the swearing in at the High …
Read More »Committee releases report endorsing lining up for LC elections
On Jan 10, the Sectoral Committee on Public Service and Local Government released its report on the Local Government Amendment Bill 2016 recommending election of chairpersons at village and parish level by lining up behind a candidate of one’s choice. This mode though preferred as cheaper than using the ballot …
Read More »Controversy over how LC elections are to be conducted
Prior to the end of last year’s festivities, the Minister for Constitutional Affairs Kahinda Otafiire (Pictured) told parliament of the government’s plan to conduct Local Council elections mid this month. He revealed that the government has proposed voting to be by standing behind one’s favorite candidate citing financial constraints. The …
Read More »Parliament vets new EC bosses amidst opposition boycott
New members of the electoral commission vetted as the opposition boycotts The Appointments Committee of Parliament has vetted the newly appointed bosses of the Electoral Commission (EC). The Parliament committee chaired by the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, vetted the six member team despite a boycott from opposition MPs. The new EC …
Read More »VIDEO: Parliament vets new Uganda electoral commissioners
VIDEO: Parliament has vetted the new chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama together with five new members on the Commissions bringing an end to outbursts and reservations regarding their appointment. After his interface with legislators on the Appointments Committee of parliament, the new appointee for the office of the …
Read More »ANALYSIS: New EC, old problems
Museveni’s new team at Electoral Commission in trouble even before it starts work When outgoing Electoral Commission Chairman Baddru Kigundu announced the Presidential election results on Feb. 20, there was a sizable backlash from a cross-section of Ugandans. Many of them did not believe the results were a true reflection …
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