Luweero candidates conduct joint campaigns

Mr Ali Ndaula Ssekyanzi, a contestant for the Luweero District LC5 seat, addresses a joint rally at Wobulenzi Taxi Park on Monday. PHOTO BY DAN WANDERA  

In Summary

Goal. Community Development Initiative boss says the joint rallies are a public platform through which leaders are held accountable by the voters at a platform free from partisan politics.

LUWEERO. Civil society activists have organised joint campaign platforms for leaders in the three constituencies in Luweero District to enable the public analyse the different campaign messages and promises made by candidates.
Mr John Ssegujja, the executive director of Community Development Initiative (CODI), said the joint rallies are a public platform through which leaders are held accountable by the voters at a platform free from partisan politics.
“We devised the joint political campaign platforms to help the voter and candidates to interact directly without giving room to opportunists who take advantage of their respective campaign rallies to peddle political lies to the unsuspecting public,” Mr Sseguja said on Monday.

During a rally at Wobulenzi Town Council Taxi Park, several artistes who entertained the public were stopped from singing songs composed for particular candidates.

The organisers said the platform was neutral, which is the reason why political aspirants from different camps and political parties share the same platform.

The candidates said the first phase of the joint rallies held at Wobulenzi Taxi Park was executed in an excellent way, with all aspirants given chance to address the rally.

“We do not spend any money on these rallies because the organisers book the venue and provide the public address system. Even candidates who cannot afford independent rallies are able to reach out to their supporters,” said Mr Samuel Sserunjogi, the incumbent Katikamu Sub-county LC3 chairperson.

Mr Sserunjogi is contesting as an independent candidate after losing in the NRM party primary election.
“Through the joint candidate platforms, we are able to deliver crucial messages regarding the electoral process. We also use the platform to remind aspiring candidates to digest and take into account the Citizens’ Manifesto,” Mr Ssegujja said.

The Citizens’ Manifesto is a peoples’ manifesto detailing what the electorate expect particular candidates to deliver after the 2016 general elections.

“We try to invite politicians nominated as candidates for the different political offices but some ignore the invitation because they are not interested in standing on the same platforms with rival politicians. We have also planned similar engagements for politicians in Nakasongola and Nakaseke Districts where we conduct the civic education programmes,” he added.

Luweero District has three constituencies which include: Katikamu South, Katikamu North and Bamunanika constituency.

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