IRCU-EC Joint statement ahead of 2021 General Elections
The Council of Presidents of the Inter Religious Council of Uganda has held a meeting with the Electoral Commission to familiarise themselves with the progress of the implementation of the Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections and to discuss pertinent issues related to the electoral process.
We have had frank discussions about the concluded activities and noted the need to mobilise the public through the clergy in each denomination to advocate and promote the virtues of tolerance and peaceful co-existence in the messages delivered on days of worship.
The two institutions further committed to national prayers for a peaceful electoral process.
IRCU members and EC during the meeting.
The Meeting also shared on issues of concern including the cut-off of registration of voters, which will leave a number of young persons who will have turned 18 years and above unable to participate in voting during the General Elections. The Meeting appreciated the legal provisions for the cut off and need to organize the Register in time for other electoral activities under the electoral roadmap.
The Chairperson IRCU Council of Presidents, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje giving his remarks during the meeting.
The Meeting also discussed ways to ensure a peaceful electoral process, as previous exercises have had incidences of violence. ICRU will be a partner in the effort to achieve peaceful elections in Uganda through its clergy and media network. IRCU will further utilize its media network to promote voter awareness and peace messages to achieve a participatory and credible elections.
The Meeting also discussed need to ensure level playing ground for all participating candidates in the elections, as a way of achieving peaceful and fair electoral process. This also requires political parties, candidates and their agents as well as supporters to know the electoral guidelines.
The Electoral Commission has welcomed the proposed Uganda National Dialogue as a critical mediatory initiative and pledged to partner with IRCU implement the national dialogue and organization of the presidential debate.
The two institutions have undertaken to maintain regular communication and meetings to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
For God and My Country
His Eminence Shiekh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje
Grand Mufti of Uganda and Chairperson, Council of Presidents
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon
Chairperson, Electoral Commission
