RUKIGA ELECTIONS SUSPENDED OVER FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS

By Vanansio Kakogoso

In Kabale–

The Electoral Commission has suspended district woman Member of Parliament and district chairperson elections for the coming district of Rukiga due to lack of funds for facilitation.

Rukiga District is expected to start its operations on 1st July this
year after being curved off from Kabale District.

Section 8(5) (c) of the parliamentary Elections Act2005 requires
electoral commission to conduct election of District woman
representative to parliament within sixty days after creation of the
new district. The Local Government Act similarly provides under part X
for election of District Chairperson.

Several candidates had already shown interest in the two seats and had
even started early campaigns to woo voters to their sides.

However in a letter dated 14th June 2017 signed by Sam Rwajoojo; the
Electoral Commission Secretary and addressed to the office of the
Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer indicates that the
commission is not in position to conduct elections in Rukiga district
due to financial constraints.

The letter indicates the commission has decided to omit the elections
in Rukiga after the approved budget for financial year 2017/2018
failed to spare funds for the exercise.

The letter advises the Chief Administrative Officer to liaise with the area Electoral Commission Officials and conduct elections for the interim chairperson for Rukiga District.

The Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer Wilson Tibugyenda,
declined to comment on the matter claiming that he has not received
the letter.

The Kabale District Returning Officer Juma Adam Sheesa, admits that
election in Rukiga district will not be held Sheesa says that he has
also received a letter from the Electoral Commission requiring him to
inform all the stakeholders about the changes. He adds that the
elections to select an interim chairperson are likely to be held on
3rd July this year.

Jackson Asiimwe Rwamwehare, Willy Denis Nkwasiibwe, Barnabas
Tugumisirize are eyeing for the District Chairpersonship seat. Victoria
Abigail Atukunda, Maureen Kyarisiima, Charity Ainebyoona Tumubweine,
Alice Basobokwe, Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi and Pamella Kyomugisha
Kihumuro are eyeing for the District Woman Member of Parliamentary seat.
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