Seven newly appointed commissioners of the Uganda Electoral Commission have been sworn in by the Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe.
After the 2016 elections early last year, Engineer Badru Kiggundu decided to lay down his tools (and I say decided because in Uganda no one leaves power except at his own will)…. Yes!!! decided to lay down his tools for a number of reasons some of which (for all those who recall) included “he almost lost his head” though the Chief Justice came to his aid and advised him to keep it one grounds that no one needed it.
Nevertheless, let us give credit where it is due. The man did a whole lot of work which ranged from trying to promote transparency in the electoral process, teaching voters from all walks of life how to use the new voting technology to giving us the results from the elections. And yes… All good things come to an end (and good it was) and that was it with Engineer Badru Kiggundu.
And today, SIMON MUGENYI BYABAKAMA, after thorough vetting and scrutiny IS SWOEN IN TODAY AT THE HIGH COURT and found befitting to take over from Engineer Badru Kiggundu. Ladies and gentlemen, I always am a little overboard with my observations but what came to my notice first is that the former was an engineer and the later… once active member of the judiciary…. former judge in the Court of Appeal.
And with this, a ray of hope in me was illuminated and I see JUSTICE….. in every form on its way. Finally!!! Good things come to those who wait…. Rejoice Ugandan!!
Judge Simon Byabakama is to be deputised by Hajat Aisha Lubega and five others: that is… Ahabwe Mugabi, Stephen Tashobya, Ssebaggala Kigozi, Peter Emorut and Nathaline Etoman.
The Chief Justice cautioned the committee to stick firm to the law and never be swayed by any side against the other and in response… Justice Byabakama pledged to manage the mandate and activities of the Electoral Commission to the satisfaction of the people especially in respect to the criticisms labelled against it’s ability to observe cardinal principles. He also implored Ugandans to give them time to prove themselves adding that his team is eager to critically avoid reoccurrence of previous mistakes
With all this said, cautions given and pledges taken, every Ugandan’s eyes are set on the committee in the hope of seeing change and transparency. And what better to clarify and be the first bout of credit to the committee but the forth coming LCI and II elections which are to be their litmus test in which they are expected to act as the law requires!!! WE CANNOT DO BETTER THAN HOPE FOR THE BEST AND THAT A NEW ERA COULD BE DAWN!!!
