Candidates are free to use social media in campaigns but not for malicious statements.

The district police commander (DPC) Kabarole district Mr.Tibakirana Musa has urged all candidates at all levels soliciting for votes this election period to avoid bribery of voters, use of malicious statements, sectarian statements, abusive language & other forms of statements that incite violence during this campaign period.

The DPC was discussing live on ToroDev supported ‘Manya Ekiragiro Kyawe’ program that is aired live on KRC Fm every Wednesday 8:00pm-10pm. 

The DPC said for the period since the campaigns started, as a district we have not had cases related to elections and reminded the citizens that police is neutral and that it will accord necessary assistance to candidates equally including personal security & security to election materials ‘’All our work is guided by the constitution of Uganda, police Act & political party Act’’, said Mr. Tibakirana Musa, the DPC Kabarole district.

The DPC requested both candidates & electorates to avoid behaving as if this is the last time we are holding elections. He asked candidates & voters to act responsibly in that if one loses this period, he/she can compete again in the next 5 years.

Meanwhile Mr.Tumwesigye V. Kanzira, the Kabarole district returning officer while discussing live in the studios of KRC Fm on the topic;  what voters/candidates   should know in this campaign period; said all candidates that went through the electoral commission nominations are equal whether one is new in the field or is an incubate. Mr. Tumwesigye said a candidate may not necessarily inform the electoral commission whenever he/she is holding a rally in a particular area provided a copy of the program was submitted to the electoral commission before kick starting the campaigns, which should be followed & in case of any changes, the electoral commission should be informed.

Mr. Tumwesigye further said as electoral commission our work is guided by the constitution of Uganda, local government Act, electoral commission Act, political parties Act,etc ‘’The campaign time is from 8:00am -6:00pm and beyond this time one will be acting illegally and if caught, there is a case to answer’’, said Mr. Tumwesigye.

 He urged candidates & their political assistants to avoid the use of abusive language & requested candidates with access to radio stations to use them the right way to solicit for votes and avoid hard words that may cause problems to a candidate and the radio station as well.

The 2 hours live radio discussion was moderated by Mr. Kaahwa Kansengerwa on 9^th December, 2015.

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