Police has confirmed the arrest of Forum for Democratic Change officials who were rounded up on Thursday night ahead of Byelections for Soroti East member of parliament being conducted today.
Security last night arrested FDC Party President Patrick Amuriat, former Kasese MP Robert Centenary and Omerou Paul the Mayor Soroti East Division as well as 39 other persons.
According to ASP Ageca Oscar Gregory, Police PRO, East Kyoga, the 42 persons were found campaigning for the Forum for democratic change candidate beyond the legally mandated time of 6:00pm to at night at Elysian guest House in Akisim ward, Soroti east division in Soroti city.
“We would like to inform the public that violation of electoral laws is not only criminal and an act punishable by law under the penal system of the Republic of Uganda, but also a violation of the fundamental human rights of an individual to participate in the electoral process and prevents the application of justice to all citizenry as under the law” ASP Ageca said.
The heated elections which have attracted bigwigs from leading political parties in Uganda pit NRM’s Edumund Ariko against FDC’s Attan Moses who are frontrunners but also UPC’s Pascal Amuruat is in the race.
Police also warned the public not to engage in electoral, malpractice which carry penal sanctions, and all individuals arrested in the commission of the same shall be arrested and arraigned in the courts of law.
To ensure law and order throughout today’s polls, security said they have deployed both human and non-human assets to provide a conducive environment for all stakeholders to exercise their rights under the law, such as the right to vote, witness, support etc.
“We would like to caution the public against violation of electoral laws which goes against the spirit of equal participation, and observance of law by all stakeholders. We also warn all drivers to desist from using numberless cars as they will be arrested and the vehicles impounded” he said.