By George Bukenya
As the process of nominations of candidates at the local council level continue to take place, the Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has called religious institutions to halt their fundraising activities because they encourage voters bribery.
While addressing reporters at the Electoral Commission Headquarters along Seventh Street Industrial area, he said that Ugandans and more so religious leaders have vigorously in their summons condemned monetization of elections and this is why he is arguing them to desist from inviting political candidates to attend their fundraising drives.
” Well as I acknowledge the noble cause of fundraising for construction of church or mosque buildings, at this such activities should be halted because they encourage voters bribery, the voting period is very short it will end and such activities can resume, ” Justice Byabakama said.
He further said,“ giving money to religious institutions during by the candidates in form of fundraising, giving physical assets such as construction of borehole or roads is an offence because in the electoral law is considered as influencing voters to vote for the giver and is punishable.’’
Justice Byabakama also said that his commission will engage with the religious leaders under the inter-religious council to see how through their organization they can help to curb down monetanization of elections.
“ We have already engaged police and state prosecutors this time round to handle well the elections bribery cases well so as to avert the tendencies of candidates using money to influence voters.’’
According to the electoral roadmap, the first segment of nomination of local council aspirants have ended and segment II is ongoing and will end on September 10th, while for Sub-county and Municipal Towns will take place between 11th and 24 September, 2025.
Although local council aspirants have been nominated, Justice Byabakama argued then not to start campaigning for they will be eligible to commence in
November.