The opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has challenged the Electoral Commission (EC) to clearly identify security personnel who are supposed to secure the Kisoro By-election to save the opposition from harassment by unknown security personnel.

Campaigns for the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election are ongoing and are expected to be concluded on November 12, with voting scheduled for November 14 2024.

UPC’s flag bearer, Mable Ingabire, is one of six candidates contesting for the seat, which became vacant following the sudden passing of former State Minister for Defense, Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, in September this year. 

The UPC Spokesperson, Sharon Oyat Arach during the party’s weekly media briefing at their headquarters AT Uganda House in Kampala said that in previous by-elections such as in Dokolo and Oyam districts, some security officers allegedly intimidated and brutalized opposition members and voters but could not be identified due to a lack of name tags on their uniforms so this time providing name tags for security personnel would help eliminate impersonators and increase accountability during the election process.

However, Arach disclosed the party’s readiness to guard against vote rigging and has appealed to Kisoro voters to report any suspected instances of electoral malpractice to the authorities.

The other candidates include; Sultana Salim (NUP), Rose Kabagyenyi (NRM), Juliet Musanase (FDC), Aisha Cyimpaye (PPP), and independent candidate Grace Akifeza Ngabirano.

By Charles Katabalwa

6 Nov 2024  

END