President Museveni has appointed former deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and now Court of Appeal Judge Simon Byabakama Mugenyi as the Electoral Commission chairperson, he replaces Dr. Badru Kiggundu who has been serving the commission for 14 years.
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“Mr Mugenyi is one of the best prosecutors in this country. All his legal life, he has been a prosecutor from the time he was State Attorney until recently when he joined the bench, and he is one of the best at the job,” Mr Katuntu, who is also a lawyer, Bugweri County MP Abdul Katuntu said in Mr Mugenyi, the country had very good candidate for the job.
Other members are: Aisha Lubega (deputy Chairperson), Peter Emorut, Stephen Tashobya, George Piwang & Mustapha Ssebagala.
The nominated persons’ names have been sent to Parliament for consideration and approval where no much resistance is expected.
Political observers however say that for as long a sitting President retains the constitutional authority to appoint the commission, full enjoyment of Article 61(1)a will remain a mirage. A President harbours a conflict interest in who will referee elections in which he or she shall be running. This constitutional contradiction must be re-considered.
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