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Uganda’s Ninth Parliament to Investigate Election Violence

Melanie Nathan – April 02, 2011

Efforts by the Ugandan Parliament, to constitute a select committee to investigate irregularities and acts of violence reported in the recent national elections have stalled,  as dictator President Museveni remains in basking glory while the US State Department shows overt support for his re-election.

A motion spearheaded by Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo sought the approval   of Parliament to investigate irregularities cited by several contestants in the local government and national elections.

He told Parliament that cases involving the availability of pre-ticked ballot papers required an investigation that would help reprimand the culprits.

Hon.Ssekikubo also lashed out at the Electoral Commission for declaring some candidates winners, despite the electoral process in some cases being hugely marred by fraud, ballot stuffing, and intimidation.

However Speaker of Parliament Rt.Hon.Edward Ssekandi says the eighth Parliament whose term ends in May does not have adequate time to investigate the irregularities cited in the last election.

He said Parliament through its business committee had already decided on priority business to handle before its term comes to and end.

MPs Frank Tumwebaze and Kassiano Wadri re-echoed the need for the ninth Parliament to constitute such a committee that would traverse the country and write a comprehensive report for the August House.

LGR received considerable direct source reports of murder, torture, threats, violence, intimidation and unfair election practices during and since elections last month. Some such sources, still in fear for their lives, remain in hiding in Uganda.

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com
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