As presidential elections in Uganda draw closer, the government yesterday warned all foreign envoys against interfering with its internal politics. Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo told reporters that government had invited a number of international election observer missions, and that there was “absolutely no need for foreign diplomats to interfere” with Uganda’s election scheduled for February 18. “The government does not, therefore, expect, particularly members of the diplomatic missions here, to unduly meddle in our internal politics and elections as some of them are already doing,” said Opondo. “The government takes strong exception to meddling and would like to caution those doing so to desist forthwith, and in case there are matters of concern they should be addressed through the appropriate diplomatic channels. Uganda seeks mutual respect to its sovereignty in accordance with international laws, norms and practices.” Opondo also warned members of the opposition against defiance talk during the election campaigns. “While the public has generally shunned recruitment into political quasi militias, some opposition groups continue to mobilise under the pseudo noum of Power Ten (P10) mainly in Kampala, Wakiso and parts of Mukono districts,” he added. He said such groups are responsible for the on-going fraudulent collection of people’s National Identity cards (IDs) or writing down ID numbers with suspect dubious and criminal intentions. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura, yesterday, met with European Union ambassadors and assured them that Uganda’s security forces will guarantee peaceful, secure, free and fair elections. “All parties should be rest assured that the Uganda Police Force is committed to act in a non-partisan way in order to ensure equal rights of all candidates and, especially, of the people of Uganda,” Gen Kayihura said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
