KAMPALA: The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned candidates in the by-election for the Kayunga District LC5 seat against holding mass rallies contrary to Covid-19 protocols.
Mr Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, said even nominations have not been done, some people have started mass rallies.
The Kayunga District chairperson seat fell vacant after the death of Muhammed Ffeffekka Sserubogo (NUP) in June.
“There is no substitute for peace and stability. We are going to work with police so that anyone who breaks the law is dealt with accordingly,” Mr Byabakama said at a stakeholders meeting in Kayunga last week.
He tasked leaders of political parties to quickly identify their flag bearers early enough so that issues that come up during nomination don’t arise.
Nomination of candidates is slated for November 29 and 30 while polling day would be on December 16.
In order to limit numbers during nominations, Mr Byabakama said that only the candidate and his proposer and second would be allowed at the Kayunga District headquarters nomination centre.
Mr Byabakama also announced Ms Janepher
Kyobutungi as the new district returning officer, replacing Mr Rashid Musinguzi.
The meeting was attended by Hajati Aisha Lubega, the deputy EC chairperson, Ms Nathaline Etomaru, the EC commissioner in-charge of Central north region, EC management team, political party and religious leaders, sub-county LC 3 chiefs and chairpersons plus representatives from civil society organisations.