Friday, March 29News That Matters

Electoral Commission Announces Reopening Of Offices Countrywide Ahead Of 2021 Elections

By Keefa Nuwahereza

The Electoral Commission has announced that all its offices across the country have been reopened, following the partial lifting of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, such that they can prepare  for the 2021 general election.

This communication  was  delivered in  a circular issued by the Sam Rwakoojo, Secretary to the EC, dated June 01,2020, which reads in part thus;

                    RE: OPENING OF FIELD OFFICES

Following the decision by Government to embark on the process of relaxing the lockdown that was declared 18th March, 2020, the Commission has decided to reopen field offices to facilitate the conduct of election activities as per the approved roadmap.

 The reopening will require you to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines as issued by the Ministry of Health and the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) which have been designed by the Commission and will be issued to you shortly.

Electoral Commission Circular about reopening offices

All field offices will reopen effective Thursday 4th, June, 2020. Officers who work in border districts where movement from and into such areas remains restricted until 17th June, 2020, will have to seek movement permits from Resident District Commissioners  in order to travel and resume duties.

Those of you who fail to obtain movement permits are advised to report the matter to the Secretary/EC for assistance.

In order to ensure compliance with safety guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19, the Commission is going to provide to each Regional and District Office the necessary safety items.”

It should be noted that Uganda is scheduled to hold presidential and Parliamentary elections next year, although  the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted the country’s  political roadmap following the lockdown that saw the suspension of all political gatherings and activities, among other safety measures.  

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