The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Justice Simon Byabakama has summoned the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert over continuous breaching of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) peddled at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
In tandem, the commission also summoned the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat over the same matter.
According to a statement released by Byabakama, the two candidates have neglected the SOPs and hold rallies and processions there by risking the lives of people. This has resulted in occasional confrontations with security personnel.
“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,” he said.
Alluding to SOPs, candidates are also allowed to organise campaign meetings, in a regulated manner, preferably outdoors, with limited attendance of a maximum of seventy (70) persons, to enable the observance of the 2-meters social distancing rule for the persons attending the meeting.
The candidates and venue owners must ensure that the campaign venues are provided with hand washing facilities and sanitizers, and that the supporters attending the campaigns wear face masks at all times, while accessing and exiting the meeting venue.
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. The two are required to appear before the commission on Monday 14th and respond to the allegations.
