The Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) general secretary, Phina Mugerwa, is not happy with the way the polls will be conducted on 28th, June this year at National Theatre.
The UMA electoral commission/(EC) called off the elections a few weeks ago after incidences of vote rigging were reported.
They decided to resort to ballot voting but Phina Mugerwa, who is seeking a second term in office believes it is unfair for upcountry voters to be excluded in case they fail to travel to Kampala.
“Ballot voting is okay but it should be national, voters shouldn't come to National Theatre. Every region should participate. What if Karamajongs decide we hold the elections from Kotido, would Kampala people go? It should be well balanced. Polling stations should be distributed throughout the country,” she said
Phina Mugerwa further explained that other regions contribute 70 percent of the association, and this system is likely to deny them the freedom and the right to vote as the constitution states.
If they can’t afford it, let them leave elections until they are prepared enough. The association is not for Kampala-based artists alone because had it been the case, we would be done already. We have members from every region so we should respect their membership,” she said.
She asked the EC to postpone the elections.
“We have petitioned EC to postpone the elections. The Electoral Commission is not the one to make all decisions, voters have to be included,” she added.
It should be recalled that King Saha through his lawyers, Lukwago & Co. Advocates, complained to the EC about unfair online voting.
