Tomorrow, Thursday January 14, Ugandans will converge in different polling stations to vote for their respective candidates in the country’s General Election.
Bobi Wine and Yoweri Museveni are the top candidates for the presidential election tomorrow. Museveni and his allies have often accused Wine of trying to polarise and destabilise the country’s peace with the help of foreigners.
On his part, Bobi Wine lamented Museveni used force to intimidate and frustrate his campaigns. There was, however, no campaigning in the country today as the official period elapsed yesterday, January 12. The government sent a strong message that its security forces were ready to go if the heavy military presence in the streets of Kampala was anything to go by. Apart from those in military trucks, several army men in full gear had been dispatched to patrol the streets.
Another lot cordoned off areas that have been known as violence hotspots during past elections. Speaking to Xinhua News, Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Patrick Onyango explained that the government has upgraded its security machinery and deployed both regular police as well as the army.
“Security is key to protection of every person’s right to vote and maintain confidence in a safe, secure and accurate election,” said Onyango.
The spokesperson added that the security forces have undergone a host of active drills relevant for violent riots, cyber harassment, radical youth groups, and clashes between rival groups etc.
Minister of defense and veteran affairs Adolf Mwesige has also sent out a warning that all candidates must accept the results as they are announced by the Electoral Commission or face the consequences.
He reiterated that those will have complaints about the results should table them before the courts of law, but not consider the violence option. With benefit of hindsight, and following the heavy military presence, the US embassy in Uganda has urged its members to be on high alert and stay clear of crowds.
“Police routinely use force, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, to disperse protests. Demonstrations throughout Uganda are likely to remain common and may escalate to violence,” read the statement.
As the citizens pick their next government tomorrow, Museveni will be pitched against 10 other candidates in a bid to push his term, which has lasted over 30 years, for another five.
SOURCE: TUKO
