The republic of uganda in the supreme court of uganda at kampala

Concern by the Presidential Election candidates and the 2nd Respondent about violence, intimidation, harassment, threats. etc.

The problem of violence, intimidation and harassment by the military, PPU, LDUs, GISOs and supporters of the 1st Respondent against supporters of the Petitioner and other candidates was a matter of concern to the candidates and other people during the whole of the election campaign period. Complaints were made to the 2nd Respondent many times to have the problems contained, and the 2nd Respondent appealed to the 1st Respondent to contain the situation.

At a meeting on 6-2-2001 convened by the 2nd Respondent and attended by representatives of all the Presidential Candidates except Francis Bwengye, they showed their deep concern about acts of violence and intimidation that were marring the presidential election campaign. They also passed a resolution to the effect that candidates should form their own security groups amongst themselves to ensure orderliness and proper security measures at all meetings or rallies, working closely with the police. Supporters of candidates should also discourage acts of incitement, such as taking of posters of one candidate into another candidate’s camp, or tearing of posters of candidates they did not support, or making unwarranted, un-researched or malicious allegations against any candidate. They also resolved to ensure security and smooth running of campaign by agents, and to inform the police and Returning Officers of each district of any programme for any meetings or rally organized on behalf of each candidate or agent. A copy of the resolution is annexture “11” to the Petitioner’s affidavit in support of the Petition.

After the Rwaboni incident of 20-02-2001 at Entebbe Air Port, the Petitioner met, and discussed with the Chairman of the 2nd Respondent, the problem of electoral violence. It appears that the Chairman himself, too, felt so concerned that as a result he wrote to the 1 Respondent and the President of Uganda. The letter painted a grim picture of the state of affairs and appealed to the President to intervene to enable the 2nd Respondent fulfill its duties as laid down in the Constitution.

Below is a reproduction of the letter in full:

“EC/25 24th February. 2001.