Trade bloc organisation East African Community (EAC) has confirmed that an observer mission gathered from its ranks has arrived in Kampala to monitor elections in Uganda.
The EAC Election Observer Mission (EAC-EOM) consists of representatives from, among others, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania – all member states of the common market – with the exception of Ugandan officials.
Mission leader, Domitien Ndayizeye, said: “The EAC-EOM short-term observers are drawn from the East African Legislative Assembly, electoral management bodies, human rights commissions, EAC coordinating ministries, and the staff of the EAC organs, namely the East African Legislative Assembly, East African Court of Justice, and the EAC Secretariat.”
In addition to Kampala, observers will also be sent to Masaku, Gulu, Arua, Mubende, Masindi, Soroti, Mbale, Mbarara, Kabale, Kasese and Moroto.
Commenting on the EAC’s keen interest in following the electoral process in a member state, Ndayizeye said: “A transparent and peaceful election will be a plus, not just for Uganda but for the EAC region as a whole. The sovereign will of the people expressed through a democratic process is a guarantee for peace, stability and economic growth.”
