UJCC asks government to postpone elections to three years

By Ben Musanje and Peter Ssebulime

23 December 2020

The Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda –Mityana Diocese Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa has appealed to security agencies to deliver their Christmas gift to the public by stopping beatings and violating the rights of people.

Delivering his Christmas Message on behalf of all the Catholic Bishops of Uganda at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya, Bishop Zziwa noted that they have noted highhandedness of some security agents manhandling the opposition candidates and their supporters in the ongoing campaigns.

He cites the November 18^th and 19^th     events where the country witnessed high level of violence that lead to loss of life and property after the arrest of the National Unity Platform Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi in Luuka district.

However, Bishop Zziwa calls upon the Electoral Commission, various security agencies, candidates and all the stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free and fair.

Meanwhile the Uganda Joint Christian Council led by Archbishop of Kampala Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has asked government to postpone presidential elections for three years, until when the situation stabilize.

Dr Lwanga said they want the constitution to be amended to allow the current president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to continue leading during the period of postponement adding that since Article 102b was amended they suggest that even due to the current crisis of Covid-19 pandemic which is likely to rise during the time of the elections due to lack of respect for the required social distance.

UJCC states that president reserves his powers to govern this country and give guidance in the fight against the pandemic.

Dr Lwanga has also condemned the acts of violation of human rights which have been experienced by Ugandans during the political campaigns saying human rights are not granted by anybody but God.