President Museveni has asked Ugandans to support virtual campaigns ahead of the 2021 General Election as a measure against the spread of coronavirus.
Addressing the nation last evening on Covid-19, Mr Museveni explained that the decision was reached after consultations with scientists who advised that it was the safest mode to conduct campaigns instead of postponing elections.
Mr Museveni said the EC was confronted with three questions of whether political candidates can continue to conduct campaigns without a vaccine or drug to treat coronavirus, whether to postpone the elections or if they can use a hybrid election for the safety of Ugandans.
The EC settled for the latter. “They opted for number three because the danger is in holding of public gatherings. If you eliminate those and messages of the contestants are passed on through the radios, TVs, socio-media, the gathering for the elections themselves, can be safely managed with handwashing, and social distancing…,” Mr Museveni said.
“This would remove the uncertainty that would be created by the postponement of the elections but also ensure that elections are held safely. I call upon Ugandans to support this option because it can work if all concerned do their assignment diligently,” he added.