After 14 years at the helm of the Electoral Commission, Eng. Badru Kiggundu has retired as chairman today thanking President Museveni for giving him the chance to serve his country.
The outgoing chairman on Tuesday hold a final press briefing at Imperial Royal Hotel about his long reign, and denied ever supporting one political party over the others.
“I wish to thank President Museveni for nominating me and my colleagues from 2002-2009 and 2009-2016,” Kiggundu said. “I also thank the Parliament which comprises members who hold different political views for approving nominations to serve two terms.”
“During the 14 years at Electoral Commission, we were able to organize, conduct and supervise three general elections i.e. 2006, 2011 and 2016,” he said.
“EC has been consistent in developing administrative tech capacity and technology to deliver effective electoral services. Do I support any political party? No. I have no party colours or cards,” Kiggundu said.
President Museveni appointed Kiggundu to be the EC chairperson in November 2002, to replace Mr Aziz Kasujja.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, who competed against Museveni in the 2001, 2006, 2011 general election and lost to Museveni, has repeatedly said that Eng. Kiggundu is a stooge of President Museveni.
EC has always countered that Eng. Kiggundu was approved by Parliament, which comprise people’s elected representatives.
The Supreme Court, which opposition politicians like Dr Besigye, petitioned in 2001 and in 2006, also ruled that the elections were not free and fair.
But the court said the irregularities were not substantial enough to warrant a cancellation of the results and call for fresh polls.
On that account, Dr Besigye said he would never again petition the court but he blamed the EC for overseeing an unfair election.
By Shafik Himbaza
