This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Uganda's 2021 Elections to be Held Amid COVID-19 Pandemic ¶
Published on June 18, 2020
The Electoral Commission of Uganda has announced that the 2021 general election will be conducted without traditional rallies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission has stated that all candidates aspiring to vie for elective positions will be required to conduct their campaigns through media.
According to the commission, nomination forms will be available online, and candidates have been urged to only present two people: a nominator and a seconder. The General Election is set to be convened in January 2021, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to retain his seat.
As of June 18, Uganda had 741 cases of COVID-19, including 442 recoveries with no deaths. The commission has stated that the approach will help reduce person-to-person contact and reduce the risk of the spread of the deadly virus.
"The commission recognises the constitutional right of every citizen to vote and choose their leaders as well as our duty to facilitate the exercise of those rights. The commission is further mindful of the need to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all stakeholders during the electoral process," the commission said in a statement.
Mass rallies will not be allowed, but campaigns will be conducted mainly through media. The commission will issue specific guidelines for each election activity under this revised roadmap in due course and will engage with various stakeholders on the same.
According to the Electoral Commission of Uganda, hopefuls are set to campaign from September 28 to January 8, 2021, before the General Election day, which is expected to be between January 8 and February 2021. Nomination papers will be available online, while hard copies will be delivered to areas with no internet access.
It is worth noting that the commission will only allow an aspiring candidate with only two people: the nominator and a seconder. During the exercise, citizens will hire leaders at the local government level, parliamentary level, and the head of state.
Among those who have expressed interest for the presidency is Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulani alias Bobi Wine. He seeks to succeed President Yoweri Museveni, who has been at the helm of the country since January 1986.
