Justice Byabakama however says the decision was based on the law.

This announcement has however attracted criticism from various stakeholders ranging from politicians, civil society to election observers.

Some of the key dates in the revised Roadmap are highlighted here below:

1. Political Party and Organisations to identify flag bearers, 22nd June – 21st July 2020
2. Deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees Elections, 29th June 2020
3. Nomination of Village SIGs (Older Persons, Persons with Disability and Youth) Committees Candidates (see attached detailed for progressive levels up to National), 5th August 2020
4. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Local Government, 7th July 2020
5. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Parliamentary Elections, 11th August 2020
6. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Presidential Elections, 1st September 2020
7. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Parliamentary Elections, 12th July 2020
8. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Local Government Councils Elections, 6th August 2020
9. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for SIG Representative to Parliament, 7th August 2020
10. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Presidential Elections, 31st October 2020
11. Period for nomination of candidates for Local Governments, including SIGs, 7th – 17th September 2020
12. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections, 12th – 13th October 2020
13. Nomination of Candidates for Presidential Elections, 2nd – 3rd November 2020
14. Harmonisdation of Campaign Programme and Signing of Memorandum, 4th – 9th November 2020
15. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Local Government, 28th September 2020 –8th January 2021
16. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Parliamentary Elections, 20th October 2020 –8th January 2021
17. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Presidential Elections, 10th November 2020 –8th January 2021
18. Polling period for General Elections (exact polling dates to be appointed in due course), 10th January – 8th February 2021

Furthermore, the Commission in consultation with the Ministry of Health considered and adopted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate safe participation by all stakeholders in the electoral process. These emphasise safe practices, which have been customised to elections and electoral process include;
i. Practicing social distancing;
ii. Wearing face masks in public; and
iii. Regular washing of hands.

The Commission calls upon all stakeholders in the electoral process to take note of the various activities that will be conducted under the Roadmap, and especially the respective timelines, so that they participate accordingly.

The Commission further appeals to political parties and organisations as well as individuals aspiring to contest as independent candidates, to utilise the limited time provided in the revised Roadmap, and prepare to participate in the respective activities. More appeal goes to media owners to avail opportunities to all the candidates for fair coverage

The Electoral Commission advises political parties and aspiring independent candidates to ensure safe practices during primaries and other preparatory activities. Candidates, their agents and supporters are urged to strictly follow the guidelines on public meetings as issued by the Ministry of Health.

Furthering the process, the Commission on Thursday this week also launched an exercise for the general update of the National Voters Register for 2019 which will run from 21^st November to 11^th December 2019 countrywide.

Announcing the commencement  of the exercise  at the Electoral Commission  head office in Kampala , Justice Simon  Byabakama, the Commission Chair, said the general  update of the National Voters Register will be conducted  at update stations for each parish throughout the country starting  from 8:00 am  to 6:00pm on each of the selected dates, weekends inclusive.

During the general Update exercise, the Electoral Commission will register eligible Ugandan citizens of 18 years and above, who are not yet registered as voters. “The update exercise will be a self-reporting exercise in which a person intending to register will turn up in person at the update center in order to provide his/her personal details, photograph, signatures and finger prints,” Justice Byabakama said.

He warned Ugandans who have already registered as voters anywhere in Uganda not to do so again. However, during the update exercise, registered voters who wish to transfer to new voting locations will be able to apply   for such transfers and they must present confirmation that they originate from or are, at the time of application for transfer. Such applicants should ensure they have details of their previous voting location. According to the Electoral Commission guidelines, any person who wishes to apply for transfer is free to go to any registration center.

Confirmation of Registration Particulars

The update exercise will enable registered voters to confirm accuracy of their particulars on the register at the voting locations which they indicated during registration. During the exercise, voters will not be able to make changes to their age / date of birth, or include new additional names.

Update on Implementation of the Roadmap for 2020/21 General Elections:

Among  the  activities  which were conducted  during  the  implementation of the roadmap for 2020/21 general  elections included recruitment of temporary staff at the sub-counties and parish levels during the period of July- August  2019 to supervise electoral activities countrywide and also the verification of voter registers.

Justice Byabakama  wants  all stakeholders  in the electoral process  to support  the general  update exercise and other roadmap  activities through  enthusiastic  participation  and in accordance  with the guidelines which will be issued  for each activity.