The National Unity Platform president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine has slammed President Museveni for the reappointment of Justice Simon Byabakama as the Electoral Commission chairperson as well as the other members.
Commenting about the appointments, Kyagulanyi said all those appointed to head the Electoral Commission are renowned NRM cadres.
“He no longer wants to pretend. He has decided to appoint renowned NRM cadres to the Electoral Commission- a clear message to Ugandans that he has no intention of ever holding a free and fair election,” Bobi Wine posted on his social media platforms.
In his January, 5 letter to Parliament for vetting, the president also retained Hajjati Aisha Lubega as the deputy chairperson and Stephen Tashobya as a commissioner.
In the same vein, the president has appointed four new commissioners to the election body including Makerere University lecturer Dr. Ssimba Ssali Kayunga , former Kyoga County MP Anthony Okello, former Nansana Municipality MP, Robert Kasule Ssebunya and the body’s acting head of administration, Pamela Etonu Okudi.
Commenting about the development, Kyagulanyi said whereas some are NRM cadres, other members appointed to the Electoral Commissioners are “renowned” sympathisers to President Museveni and his government.
“Museveni shamelessly sees nothing wrong with putting such people in charge of a commission that should be impartial, organising free and fair elections,” Kyagulanyi said.
“ If this is not enough provocation to the people of Uganda, I don’t know what ever will be! It is time for all Ugandans and friends of Uganda to see that we are entirely on our own, and rise to the occasion so that we redeem our nation from this absolute mess.”
On Thursday, lawyer, Male Mabirizi petitioned Parliament asking that the new appointments by President Museveni are not approved since they are not qualified for the positions.