Kampala city lord mayor Erias Lukwago has petitioned the High court seeking an interim order blocking the directive by the Electoral Commission to suspend physical campaigns in 12 districts considered high-risk for coronavirus.
On Saturday, the EC suspended campaign meetings in Kampala and 11 other districts and cities in the country due to the surging Covid-19 infections and alleged persistent violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) by some political candidates.
The other districts are Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Wakiso, Kabarole, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo and Tororo.
Lukwago argues that the directive by EC chairperson justice Simon Byabakama is illegal, irrational and violates his right to a fair hearing as he was not consulted before its issuance yet he is among those affected by the decision. Lukwago is seeking re-election on the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party ticket.
He also notes that he has been compliant to the Covid-19 guidelines but was shocked when a decision was taken without consulting him, which he says is not fair in a free and democratic society.
According to Lukwago, the directive has caused untold inconveniences such as losses and costs since he had planned to resume his campaigns in Makindye after Christmas break and that he had already booked the campaign venues.
Lukwago now wants the court to quash the decision in issue and declare it as illegal and irrational.
The petition will be heard by deputy head of Civil Division justice Musa Ssekaana on December 31, 2020, after obtaining a certificate of urgency.
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