By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has trashed allegations circulating on social media that it recently hired former EC Chairman Eng. Badru Kiggundu’s son Umar Kiyimba to oversee the 2021 elections by being in charge of electoral materials.
Jotham Taremwa, the EC spokesperson, has since issued a statement refuting allegations and called upon Ugandans to treat such information as fake news. “Please note that reports making rounds on social media platforms in respect to the above is FAKE NEWS,” he said.
Taremwa’s Full Statement Reads Thus:
“The Electoral Commission has noted with concern social media reports that a one Umar Kiyimba and son to former Chairperson of EC Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu has been recruited to handle all election materials, more so ballots for the upcoming general elections. it is also alleged that his name was presented to H.E the President who okayed it. all this is not true.
1. Mr. Umar Kiyimba has no any blood relationship with former Chairperson of Electoral Commission Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu as its alleged
2. Mr. Umar Kiyimba has served the Commission diligently and risen through the ranks in line with the EC’s Human Resource policies and procedures. First as an elections officer serving in various Districts as District Registrar, later promoted to a senior Elections Officer and now to Head of Department of election management where a vacancy has been existing as a result of the former Head of the Department serving his contract to the end and retiring in 2019.
The filling of the vacancy was done in accordance with EC’s HR guidelines and was competitive because it attracted a number of applicants. Therefore, the allegations that his name was presented to H.E for clearance is simply not true.
3. The process of procuring ballots for 2020/2021 General elections commenced with the local and regional newspaper adverts calling for firms with capacity and competence to bid in accordance with open international bidding. The process will be handled in accordance with PPDA guidelines and regulations. No single staff of the Commission has the authority to procure any service or work leave alone ballots. The allegation once again that Mr. Umar is charged with ballots is someone’s own imagination.
Please note that reports making rounds on social media platforms in respect to the above is FAKE NEWS”
Jotham K. Taremwa
EC Spokesperson
