Uganda Police issues warning to politicians, bloggers misinforming the public ahead of 14th January 2021 elections.
With only nine days left to the elections, the police have warned that they will arrest and detain anyone caught spreading wrong propaganda or misinforming the public, in particular politicians, bloggers and social media influencers.
In a statement dated 04th January 2021, Fred Enanga the police spokesperson said that as the elections first approach, many aspirants try to roll out their campaign strategies, messages and in so doing they speak falsely about happenings to seek the favour of their voters.
Enanga explained that they have already witnessed the use of negative propaganda on social media more so of videos and hostile footages, copycat violence, civil disturbance, conspiracy theories from enemies of the state, defacing of posters and malicious damages among others.
“As of today, 4/01/2021, the countdown to the polling day for the General Elections draws closer, with only 10 days remaining. It is a very crucial stage as several candidates try to roll out their campaign strategies, messages, targeting different groups through various media channels and physical contacts,” Enanga said.
“Although Uganda as a Country has no specific threats, we have noticed an increase in acts of misinformation and outright disinformation online, through the use of negative propaganda videos and hostile footages, copycat violence, civil disturbance, conspiracy theories from enemies of the state, defacing of posters and malicious damages.”
Enanga in particular cited out bloggers who are using the power of social media to drive false messages. He said that they are reviewing all these scenarios and all the culprits will be captured.
“There is also a challenge of unfiltered social media propaganda with multitudes of bloggers and individuals which acts altogether can lead to lawlessness and anarchy in our country,” he explained.
“We continue to review several scenarios of coordinated attacks on electoral activities in the past, attacks on political leaders, kidnaps, clashes between rival groups, attacks on vehicles, radicalized youth groups and come up with multi agency response plans to counter them.”
Also, he said they have received information of different political camps that have mobilized a group of individuals to act as their poll watches but these will not be allowed because they will create disruptions at polling stations.
Enanga also noted that they will be operating contrary to the Electoral Commission guidelines earlier to have everyone leave the polling station immediately after casting their votes.
“In addition, we have information about mobilizations by different political camps of local poll watchers. Although this is a good initiative, of promoting vigilance, in most cases, they tend not to abide by the electoral laws and guidelines. As a result they end up intimidating rival camps instead of protecting people’s right to vote,” Enanga added.
“Therefore, our priority is to ensure that there are no disruptions at the polling centers. Those who are planning on harassing voters on polling day especially elderly persons, women and new young voters are warned to desist from such wrongful acts. Failure to do so will definitely attract sanctions against them.”
He, however, said that the police has strengthened it’s security forces to ensure that the coming elections are peaceful, free and fair.
Enanga noted that they have set up designated patrol routes across polling areas to guard against acts of impunity, criminality and deter any threats that might pop up at various voting centres.
“The Joint Task Force continues to review and strengthen the security infrastructure at all levels. It is multi-layered from the polling areas, tallying centers, sufficient manpower development at the parish, sub county and county levels, with mobile squads on foots, motorcycles, motorized, flying squads and other Quick reaction teams, tactically deployed for the safe upkeep of the elections.”
“We would like to reassure all Ugandans and in particular voters that all polling places will be safe. And also further remind them to take their right to vote seriously and not leave other people to vote for them. Democracy is not a spectators role, but requires commitment,” the police spokesperson noted.
