By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Justice Simon Byabakama has summoned the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert and FDC’s Patrick Amuriat over the continuous breach of the Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against COVID-19.
In two separate letters dated December 10, 2020, the EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama noted that both Kyagulanyi and Amuriat have neglected the SOPs and hold rallies and processions thereby risking the lives of people something that has since resulted into occasional confrontations with security personnel.
Byabakam said, “In spite of the existence of the said guidelines, you have continued to ignore and/or negated observing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by holding mass rallies in contravention of the established Standard Operating Procedures intended to control the spread of the Coronavirus, thereby risking the lives of the people.”
He added, “The electoral commission after making consultations with the ministry of health, and while issuing the campaign guidelines, adopted the measures provided in the regulations and issued to all stakeholders who intended to participate in the 2021 elections. You are therefore required to adhere to the SOPs in order to protect the citizens of the country from Covid-19 including yourself.”
According to the EC guidelines on the 2021 electoral campaigns, candidates were tasked to have only 200 people at their campaign venues, with social distancing, masks and without processions.
However, in contrast, Byabakama avers that on 17th, 18th of November Bobi Wine held mass rallies in Koboko and Iganga. He also alleged that Amuriat held processions in Mbarara and other areas.
As a result, therefore, Byabkama says EC has summoned both Kyagulanyi and Amuriat to appear on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 10 and 11am respectively.
