KAMPALA- The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has condemned the rampant malpractices during elections and Commercialization of politics saying that they are a threat to democracy.
Justice Byabakama noted this while addressing a team of Senior Investigators and Prosecutors at CID Headquarters in Kibuli led by the Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo and Major Tom Magambo the Director of CID.
Justice Byabakama said he was told most of the contestants need at least 500 million shillings to participate in parliamentary elections and most of that money is need to bribe voters which are an offense.
As such, Byabakama called for the activation of laws to deter perpetrators of election crimes such as bribery and sponsoring violence so as to protect people’s properties and bring culprits to book.
He noted that the laws in the country provide for more than 50 offenses related to election matters but most of the times police and prosecutors do not charge the people who engage in those offenses.
Byabakama who spoke strongly emphasized the need for decisive action, saying police and prosecutors should deal with election offenders decisively and firmly.
According to Byabakama, government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) among others cannot thrive without a peaceful and stable environment.
He further condemned the use of hateful messages, especially on social media platforms.
Cue in……………Byabakama on offenders
The president of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is present and is listening to presentations as he prepares to close the two days meeting of the office of the DPP and CID Officers which Byabakama was addressing.
The meeting is being held under the theme “The contribution of ODPP/CID in the socio economic Transformation of Uganda”.
The specific objectives of the meeting has been to equip investigators and prosecutors with knowledge and skills in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, especially electoral, corruption, land-related, and other complex offences and to adequately prepare for effective and efficient execution of the investigation and prosecution function in electoral offences during the 2026 election period.
