KAMPALA – The Electoral Commission (EC) has said Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Henry Tumukunde is free to hold consultations as long as he does not use the chance to start campaigns.
EC Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama, in a letter dated March 4, urged Gen. Tumukunde to distinguish consultations from campaigns. Justice Byabakama urged the former spy chief to “desist from holding rallies, campaigns and carrying out processions on public roads under the guise of conducting consultative meetings.”
“… we wish to point out that consultations ought to be distinguished from campaigns which take the form of distributing materials, campaigns, holding rallies and meetings and canvassing/soliciting for votes envisaged under Sections 21 and 24 of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005,” reads the letter in part.
“… consultation means an exchange of views in an attempt to reach a decision. Accordingly, the identified venue, mode and manner of the consultative meeting ought to facilitate the exchange of views between the aspirant and those being consulted.”
The EC also asked the former Security minister to notify the relevant local council and the police of the area where one intends to go the consultations in line with Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act.
