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

Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Presidential Candidate was scheduled to address rallies in Adjumani today. However, Candidate Besigye telephoned the Electoral Commission from Entebbe Airport this morning to inform us that Military Intelligence personnel led by Captain Rwakitarate were insisting on arresting Hon. Major Rabwoni 0kw!, with whom he was travelling to Adjumani. As a result, Candidate Kizza Besigye told the Electoral Commission that he would not proceed with the campaigns because the electoral process was being interfered with. When the Electoral Commission urged Candidate Besigye to continue to Adjumani without Major Rabwoni, he said that he was not leaving Rabwoni behind and that he was besieged by Military personnel.
The purpose of this letter therefore is to draw your attention to Section 12 (1) (e) and (f) of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996 and Section 20 of the Presidential Elections Act 2000 and to request you to ensure that Candidates’ campaigns continue without unnecessary interference, more so as we approach polling day.”

The Petitioner continues that contrary to the pleas of the Electoral Commission, the Army Commander Maj. Gen. Odongo Jeje addressed a press conference and issued a press statement confirming the Army’s involvement in the security of the Presidential Election process. The Press Statement which was dated 9th March 2001, stated,

“The Role of UPDF in the 2001 Presidential Elections

Following the contention by some presidential candidates as to the role of the Army involvement in the electoral process, the National Security Task force has found it imperative to explain the need for the involvement of UPDF in the security detail before, during and after elections.

Although the electoral laws do not specifically refer to the Army in regulating the electoral process, the Uganda Police or any other civilian authority can be assisted by the Army under article 209 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda where functions of UPDF include: