The 2 Respondent reply dated 8 March 2001 stated as follows:
“FLAWS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS PROCESS, 2001 This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 7th, 2001 which was signed by Presidential Candidates Dr. Col (Rtd.) Kizza Besigye, Mr. Chapaa Karuhanga and Mr. M. Kibirige Mayanja. You raised issues of violence, intimidation and serious flaws in the electoral process. We wish to respond to these issues as follows:
The Electoral Commission in line with Section 20 (1) (a) and (b) of the Presidential Elections Act. 2001 has contacted the Police and other State Security Organs to provide during the entire campaign period, protection of each Candidate and adequate security at all meetings of Candidates. To this effect the Commission has availed Police protection to each Candidate at home and while travelling and addressing Campaign Rallies.
With regard to violence and intimidation, the Electoral Commission has written to the Head of State as the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces, to contain the Army and to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Police carry out their mandate as provided under Article 212 of the Constitution of Uganda.
It is incumbent upon the Police when necessary to seek reinforcement from other State Security Organs to contain any deteriorating security situation, maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of Ugandans.
Following these communications, reports from the Police indicate that the security situation during the campaigns has improved and acts of violence and intimidation have reduced considerably countrywide.
