CCEDU stands for free, fair elections
By Titus Kakembo
The marathon to register for the forth coming elections and an ongoing exodus for the electorate to cross check their names on the list is evidence of renewed trust in the electoral process. And part of this is the result of the work of the
Livingstone Sewanyana, FHRI Chairperson, ccedu Executive Committee
|
Coalition for Electoral Democracy (CCEDU). Livingstone Sewanyana says they have enabled the Electoral Commission to regain some credibility.
“We did this by refocusing political parties from boycotting elections as the only check against rigging,” says Sewanyana.
“CCEDU has also brought together more than 500 organisations with 6000 members including individuals from political parties, the media and development partners to advance specific proposals on the nature of the electoral reforms required to address potential pitfalls in the electoral process.” Radio stations and newspapers are full of debates on the electoral process. |
There are numerous proposals for legislative reforms and improvement of the electoral system.
Sewanyana says: “This does not eliminate the general belief among the electorate that the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections are likely to be conducted against a background of mixed expectations of hope and fear.”
Sewanyana argues that since the promulgation of the Constitution in 1995, limited efforts have been made to ensure that Ugandan citizens develop the civic competence and consciousness to defend their constitutional rights.
“CCEDU is of the view that a civic competent citizenry is the best defense against electoral fraud and electoral malpractices,” Sewanyana says.
“It is in this regard that we are committed to engage with all actors across the social, political and economic spectrum to ensure a robust civic education agenda that transforms the majority of our citizens from being spectators to active defenders of democracy and the integrity of the electoral process” says Sewanyana.
In the whole country, Churches, decision makers and celebrities have jumped on board to encourage the electorate to exercise their rights to vote.
Taking stock of CCEDU achievements to date, it is evident there is a growing effort to sensitise people across the country.
In places like Northern Uganda where war raged for more than 20 years, the populace have been told there are other ways of switching leaders than having armed war.
While advocating for democracy, political parties have been urged to exercise it within their individual systems.The argument being that, you can not ask what is not being practiced within your party.
People have also been called upon to tolerate other political views.
They are being sensitised to cast their vote for the candidate who addresses the issues that matter to them.
It may be medical services, the state of the infrastructure or the cost of living.
Crispy Kaheru says early this year, CCEDU was involved in identifying gaps within the electoral law in Uganda and proposed consequential reforms.
CCEDU’s key reform proposals touched on the constitution; among these included a proposal to restore presidential term limits, the re-constitution of the Electoral Commission to take care of various political interests and many others.
“Most of these reforms were not considered when the electoral laws were finally passed in May, this year. But CCEDU recognises the gradualism in reforming an electoral system,” says Kaheru.
These comprehensive reform proposals that CCEDU proposed took Britain over 100 years to achieve; even then, the debate on reforming electoral systems still exists in highly placed democracies like Britain, Australia, and/or the United States.
It is for this reason that CCEDU continues to mount pressure on the respective institutions to effect comprehensive reforms that shall unshackle the current multiparty democracy in Uganda
As the general elections get closer, CCEDU is privileged to champion a citizen based movement in Uganda.
They believe it is time for people to come together to advocate for the kind of democracy and leadership that they want. Every strand in the electoral cycle is important towards constructing a just and fair Uganda.
Below is the list of the board members and their responsibilities
David Pulkol: Representative, Development Workers and Chairperson of the advisory board
Irene Kaboole: Representative, Trade Union Workers and Secretary of the advisory board
Philip Fred Kato: Representative, Faith-based networks
Peter Barongo: Representative, Youth
Simon Bazekuketa Representative, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Apollo Nyabwongo: Representative, Private Sector
Yusuf Makweta: Representative:
Human Rights
Mary Natukunda: Representative, Women
Peter Nyakatura: Representative,
The Elderly
James Waiswa: Representative, Farmers
Julian Amutuhaire: Representative, Media
Samuel Kibanga: Representative, Health Configuration
Executive committee
1.Foundation for Human Rights Initiative
2.Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations
3.The Uganda National NGO Forum
4.Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment
5.Federation of Women Lawyers in Uganda
6.Democracy Monitoring Group
7.Human Rights Network
8.Community Development Resource Network
9.Uganda Women Network
10.Uganda Media Development Foundation
11.Human Rights Network for Journalists
12.Uganda Parliamentary Press Association
13.National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda
14.Uganda Joint Christian Council
15.Forum for Women in Development
16.Africa Leadership Institute
17.Action for Development
18.National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Network in Uganda
19.East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project
20.Inter-Religious Council of Uganda
21.Uganda Muslim Supreme Council
22.The Uganda Youth Network
23.Rwenzori Civil Society Consortium
24.Born Again Faith Federation
25.Uganda Civil Society Council for Development
26.Mission for Youth Rights
27.Coalition of Uganda Private Schools Teachers Association
28.Rwenzori Peace Bridge of Reconciliation
29.Harambe Girls’ Forum – Africa
30.Uganda National Civic Education Consortium
31.Uganda National Association of the Deaf
32.Celebrate Africa
33.Makerere University Office of the Human Rights Commissioner;
34.The International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS Eastern Africa
35.East African Law Students Platform
36.Center for Public Interest Law;
37.Recreation Development Program
38.Conflict Resolution by Youth Uganda
39.Legal Aid Services Providers Network
40.Advocacy for Violence –free Elections
41.Youth Net;
42.National Alliance for a Free and Fair Election
43.Students for Global Democracy Uganda
44. ActionAid International Uganda
