Nomination Day: Boys separated from men as election season starts in earnest

At least seven candidates are expected to present themselves before the Electoral Commission today and tomorrow for endorsement to contest for the highest political office in the land—the second time since the return of multi-party democracy in 2005.


By press time, at least six candidates according to EC boss Badru Kiggundu had been cleared for the nominations at Mandela National Stadium Namboole today.

However, Uganda Peoples’ Congress leader Olara Otunnu had reportedly not submitted the needed signatures. Mr Chris Opoka, an official, said they would submit the signatures by Tuesday 10am.

Signatures’ headache

All the presidential candidates are required to raise 100 signatures from each of at least 75 of the 112 districts. The deadline for the submission of the signatures is Tuesday 3pm.

By press time, those ready for nomination were President Museveni (National Resistance Movement), Kizza Besigye (Forum for Democratic Change), Jaberi Bidandi Ssali (Peoples’ Progressive Party) and Norbert Mao (Democratic Party).

These will be nominated today while Ms Betty Kamya (Federal Alliance) and Mr Abed Bwanika of the Peoples Development Party, will be nominated tomorrow. Mr Otunnu’s nomination is on hold until he finds all the signatures.

According to EC spokesperson Charles Ochola independent candidates Drake Ssebunya, Samuel Lubega and Gideon Tugume had signatures from less than 15 districts verified.

“The verification is still ongoing and we are also working Sunday so that we give them the opportunity,” said Mr Ochola.

Whereas the candidates are also expected to pay Shs8 million before nomination, it is thought that the signatures-clause could explain why despite over 50 people picking the nomination forms, less than 10 are set to meet the standards.

Five candidates contested the last elections in 2006—three of them will feature again. Mr Museveni, Dr Besigye and Mr Bwanika are no strangers to the challenge, while the others will be making their maiden appearance.

According to the EC, President Museveni will submit his papers at 10am and later address a rally at Kololo Independence Grounds.
At 11am, Mr Bidandi Ssali is expected to tender in his forms, while Dr Besigye will do so at midday. The FDC leader will hold a rally at Nakivubo Stadium thereafter.

Mr Mao will hand in his papers at 3pm, before addressing his supporters at Kawempe Growers Grounds.

The mood in most parties was upbeat. NRM Secretary General Amama Mbabazi said over one million supporters are expected to attend President Museveni’s inaugural rally.

Top FDC officials including its Chief Whip Kassiano Wadri and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Prof. Ogenga Latigo were running adverts on radio asking supporters to attend Dr Besigye’s rally. Other rooting for this were Mr Michael Mabikke of the Social Democratic Party—a member of the opposition coalition backing Dr Besigye and former Buganda Kitikkiro Mulywanyamuli Semwogerere.
But Mr Otunnu’s request to use Lugogo Sports Ground for his maiden rally was turned down, even though KCC officials gave no explanation.

Police warn

Mr Opoka, however, told Daily Monitor that they would use the grounds at Uganda House—that houses party offices—for the rally.
EC spokesman Ochola said Mr Bwanika will be nominated on Tuesday at 11am while Ms Kamya will be endorsed at noon.

Namboole—the venue for the nomination—also looks every inch set. It has been decorated with yellow, black and red ribbons. EC officials met at the stadium yesterday in readiness for today’s historic event.

The Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura yesterday warned presidential candidates against holding processions in the city, threatening to “crush” any.

Only two vehicles with stickers and 20 supporters will be allowed access to the stadium for security purposes