Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission (EC), has urged presidential aspirants to strictly follow nomination guidelines as they prepare for the two-day nomination exercise starting tomorrow *September 23) at the commission’s new headquarters in Lweza.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the presidential nominations, Mucunguzi said they expect presidential aspirants to comply with their guidelines to facilitate a smooth process.
“We assure Ugandans that preparations are well underway to nominate the next president of Uganda,” he said.
Mucunguzi disclosed that, as of now, only two presidential aspirants have met all requirements for nomination. He urged others to follow suit before tomorrow’s event. The confirmed candidates include incumbent President Museveni and FDC’s Nandala Mafabi.
Aspirants must collect the required signatures, pay the Shs 20 million nomination fee, provide proof of Ugandan citizenship by birth, present a minimum qualification of A-level or its equivalent, and demonstrate a clean record with no convictions for capital offences.
Regarding preparations, Mucunguzi explained that an organising committee, comprising the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for protocol, Uganda Police, UPDF, Traffic Police, ministry of Health, and the EC, is working diligently to ensure the event’s success.
Measures are in place for security, parking, traffic management, public relations, media coverage, and first aid services. He noted that the commission will deploy staff to collaborate with other service providers to make the nomination process seamless.
Dennis Namuwoza, Commissioner for Fire Operations, also confirmed that adequate measures are in place to handle any fire emergencies, with sufficient officers, trucks, and equipment deployed at the venue. He urged Ugandans to maintain discipline and adhere to security protocols to ensure law and order during the event.
Mucunguzi highlighted that the event will attract observers from political parties, heads of missions, regional blocs such as the East African Community and the African Union, and development partners including the World Bank, African Development Bank, East African Development Bank, United Nations, and UNHCR, among others.
He encouraged Ugandans to support the commission, noting that it is now operating from its new permanent headquarters, a significant shift from its previous rented premises.1.3sFast
