Electoral Commission Urges Foreign Investors to Promote Peace Ahead of General Election
The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged foreign investors in Uganda to take a proactive role in maintaining peace before, during, and after the upcoming General Election. This call comes as part of efforts to ensure that the business environment remains stable and secure, which is crucial for the continuity of operations.
During the Beyond the Ballot CEO Breakfast in Kampala on November 6, Mr Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, emphasized the importance of peaceful elections. He stated that the business community is often the first to suffer when violence erupts during elections. Therefore, he called on investors to use their influence to encourage their workers and partners to engage in peaceful electoral processes.
“Investors have an influence, and we therefore call upon them to rally their workers and partners to engage in a peaceful election because we aim to see people go vote and return to their businesses peacefully. We don’t want people to hoard food, fly out of the country, such messages create a perception that there is no danger, and we have learned that we need continuity and peace,” he said.
Mr Mucunguzi added that the EC is committed to providing accurate information to prevent any actions that could incite violence. He stressed that an election should come and go without causing division among the population.
Key Candidates in the Upcoming Election
The development occurs just a month after eight presidential candidates were nominated on September 22 and 23, embarking on nationwide campaigns for the January 15 polls. The candidates include:
- Yoweri Museveni, the incumbent president from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), seeking his seventh elective term.
- Robert Kyagulanyiof the National Unity Platform (NUP), who was his closest challenger in 2021.
- Gregory Mugisha Muntu, former army chief and candidate from the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
- Nathan Nandala Mafabiof the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
- Mubarak Munyagwaof the Common Man’s Party.
- Frank Bulira Kabingaof the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP).
- Elton John Mabiriziof the Conservative Party.
- Robert Kasibanteof the National Peasants Party.
Mr Mucunguzi commended the candidates and other stakeholders for their peaceful campaign so far and expressed hope that this trend continues through the election and beyond.
Business Leaders Share Insights on Navigating Elections
Foreign investors gathered in Kampala to discuss strategies for ensuring their businesses survive and benefit from the election and the new government. The event, organized by various chambers of commerce including the American Chamber of Commerce of Uganda (AmCham Uganda), French Chamber of Commerce Uganda, British Chamber of Commerce Uganda, and the Netherlands Uganda Trade and Investment Platform, provided a platform for dialogue.
In his keynote address, Mr Rajesh Kumar Ag, Chairman of the Indian Business Forum, highlighted the importance of combating disinformation and misinformation during the election period. He urged businesses to verify all information before sharing it and to focus on city growth and development, including information security.
“We’ve made progress so far, and we need to continue what’s been done right for another five years. Get manifestos and identify the opportunities for your business. Map out these opportunities and analyse how your business could benefit from upcoming government policies,” he said.
Preparing for Uncertainty
Ms Meg Jaquay, a business leader and former AmCham Uganda President, shared her experience with managing a food business during previous elections and the pandemic. She emphasized the importance of preparation and optimism.
“For my food business, the last election and COVID didn’t disrupt operations because I focused on delivering services. Precautions include extra generator fuel, SMS lists for staff, and staff living on-site. Optimism and preparation are key,” she said.
Government Commitment to Private Sector Engagement
Mr Patrick Joram Mugisha, Commissioner for Business Development at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, acknowledged past challenges in collaboration between chambers of commerce and the ministry. He outlined plans to revise two key policies: the National Energy Policy (2015) and the National Standards and Quality Policy (2012). He encouraged businesses to engage early in the process to influence these policies.
He also pledged to improve inclusion by accommodating the views of chambers during policy formulation.