Post-election tensions in Uganda require fair, just and timely settlement

The Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of February 18th 2011 were an important milestone in Uganda's democratization process. Over 7 million Ugandans arc recorded to have voted in the 2nd multiparty elections since the return to multiparty politics in 2005. This election came after a relatively peaceful campaign period. Notwithstanding this calmness, the electoral process was characterized by an uneven playing field.

The election day itself was relatively calm, but subdued across the country. The heavy deployment of security personnel in anticipation of post-election threats to national stability was uncalled for. Though relatively few, there were violent incidences before and after the election day, most notably in Bugisu, Lingo, Ankole and West Nile. In Bugisu, confrontations between the security forces and civilians left a citizen dead and several others injured, including a journalist who was shot. In order to guarantee peaceful, free and fair elections in the future, the following will require very urgent consideration:

• Adopt comprehensive electoral reforms including the appointment of a representative Electoral Commission ;
• Adopt and implement very strict guidelines to guard against the misuse of incumbency especially during campaigns ;
• Adopt strict measures against acts of bribery in elective politics and public appointments ;
• Guarantee a clean voters register in order to avoid disenfranchisement of many potential voters ;
• Ensure that the training of polling officials is on-going, efficient and effective ;
• Ensure that all Post-Election contentions are expressed in a manner that does not unnecessarily increase tension and undermine political dialogue ;
• In relation to the above, we consider non violent civic expressions of displeasure through peaceful demonstrations as one of many legitimate options that should not be thwarted by security forces as has al ready been the case in Aiasaka ;
• The use of irregular private or stare militia and the military should be avoided ;
• All actors especially religious bodies, in particular Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) should hasten a proactive facilitation for peace and reconciliation between warring parties across the country, and especially in areas regarded as conflict hot-spots.

Finally, in the short and medium term, important political reforms remain necessary to establish a more inclusive governance regime that will build greater public trust in institutions of state and open doors for actors across the political divide to constructively engage in building the Uganda we all desire.

Prepared and signed for and on behalf of the Citizens ' Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU).

Livingstone Sewanyana
Chairperson, Executive Committee