The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has said despite some glitches, the January, 14th presidential and parliamentary elections were free and fair.
Speaking while presenting its preliminary statement, Dr Katebalirwa Amooti, the chairperson of the UHRC said as part of their observation mission, they sent a delegation of 183 observers who were able to monitor 1830 polling stations across the country.
Katebalirwa said that based on the extensive observation of the polling exercise that was done countrywide the commission has concluded that the polling exercise was carried out within a secure, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere which enabled a free and fair outcome.
Commenting on the issue of heavy deployment of both the army and police during the Election Day, the Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson said there is no evidence to show that this stopped people from participating in the election, adding that on the contrary, it gave people the courage to cast their ballot.
Katebalirwa explained that whereas at some polling stations a number of candidates didn’t have agents over unknown reasons, this didn’t deter the process of voting and counting the votes from being smooth and transparent.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson however urged those who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the polls to seek redress from courts of law, other than resorting to riots.
