Human Rights Commission Says Uganda’s Elections Were Free and Fair

The Uganda Human Rights Commission has said that the January, 14 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections were generally peaceful, free and fair.

According to the commission’s report which was presented by Dr Katebalirwa Amooti,the chairperson of the UHRC, as part of their observation mission, they sent a delegation of 183 observers who were able to monitor 1830 polling stations across the country.

“Based on the extensive observation of the polling exercise that was done countrywide as well as verified reports that were received from the media, contacts from other observers both nationally and outside the country, the commission has concluded that the presidential and parliamentary polling exercise was carried out within a secure , peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which enabled a free and fair outcome,”Katebalirwa said on Tuesday.

Katebalirwa Commended the heavy deployment of both the army and police during the election day saying that the there is no evidence to show that this stopped people from participating in the election, adding that on the contrary, it gave people the courage to cast their ballot.

“Although some of the voters allegedly felt intimidated by the heavy deployment, on the whole, the deployment of security didn’t inconvenience voters. In fact many of them told us that they felt secure due to the presence of security agencies.”

According to the UHRC boss, the security personnel who had been heavily deployed remained disciplined and acted professional during election day.

Katebalirwa explained that whereas at some polling stations a number of candidates didn’t have agents over unknown reasons, this didn’t deter the process of voting and counting the votes from being smooth and transparent.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson however urged those who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the polls should seek redress from courts of law, other than resorting to riots.

The report by the Human Rights Commission adds onto the one by the East African Community observers and the European Union who also hailed the country for holding a free and fair election.