By Charles Katabalwa,
NATIONAL
The opposition People’s Front for Freedom (People’s Front for Freedom) has criticised the National Electoral Commission over the delayed release of the Local Councils elections roadmap, accusing the electoral body of frustrating preparedness for the polls.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters along Katonga Road, the party Deputy President, Michael Phillip Lulume Bayigga, said Ugandans are ready for the elections, but the Electoral Commission has remained silent on the roadmap.
“People are gearing up for elections, but the Commission has kept quiet on releasing the roadmap,” Bayigga said, urging the electoral body to expedite the process to enable adequate planning by political actors and voters.
Bayigga also challenged the Commission to revise regulations that restrict young Ugandans from registering as voters without a National Identity Card, even when they have reached the voting age of 18 years.
He argued that such requirements disenfranchise eligible citizens who may not yet have obtained national identification documents.
On the same occasion, Bayigga questioned the independence of the Electoral Commission, accusing it of operating under the influence of State House directives.
His remarks follow recent media reports indicating that President Yoweri Museveni directed the Ministry of Finance to release UGX 56.9 billion to facilitate the electoral process.
Bayigga said the reported directive raises concerns about the autonomy of the Electoral Commission, arguing that reliance on presidential guidance undermines its credibility.
The Electoral Commission has in the past maintained that it operates independently in accordance with the law.
