FDC cautions EC over retaining ‘out of contract’ secretary Rwakoojo

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has warned the Electoral Commission against retaining its Secretary, Sam Rwakoojo yet his contract expired.
While addressing journalists at the FDC’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday, party spokesman Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said that Rwakoojo is supposed to have left the Commission or any electoral processes since his contract expired and cannot be renewed under the Electoral Commission Act.

He did not say when Rwakoojo’s contract ended.
“Rwakojo is still presiding over activities relating to the next elections which is against the laws of the Constitution governing EC. We want to warn the EC boss to stop him (from accessing office) since his contract expired,” he added.

Rwakoojo has held the post of secretary to the Commission for more than 18 years, serving under Aziz Kasujja (RIP), Dr Badru Kiggundu, and now Simon Byabakama.
Nganda has also blamed the EC of recruiting parish and sub-county election supervisors without consulting political parties who are the major stakeholders.
“These recruitments are supposed to be done when all the necessary electoral and administrative reforms have been undertaken. It is as if the Electoral Commission is preparing to organise an internal NRM party primary. However, FDC would like to warn the EC chairman not to involve himself in organising another sham election,” he added.
Nganda alluded that major activities relating to elections are supposed to be undertaken after the necessary reforms which have not been tabled before the Parliament.
He also noted, “It appears, the Commission is moving on carelessly. However, there will come a time in future when these individuals that are messing up the country, will personally have to answer for their crimes no matter how long it will take.”

Last year, President Museveni vowed to get rid of ‘rotten people’ in the commission, which he accused of being corrupt.

Efforts to reach the EC and Rwakoojo were futile.