Artists body Uganda Musicians Association has postponed its elections that were slated for May 23.
The development follows a petition by one of the contestants, Manisul Ssemanda alias King Saha, through his lawyers Lukwago and Company Advocates protesting the manner in which the elections were being handled.
“Earlier today, our legal team filed a
formal complaint to the UMA electoral commission challenging the processes that have been undertaken to the forthcoming UMA elections where I am a contender,” Saha wrote on his Instagram on Friday
He added: “As we try to clean the road to our victory, we will leave NO stone unturned. I have also had a chance to go through their reply but still seems so negative about this whole issue.”
A letter signed by the UMA electoral commission chairman, Geoffrey Ekongot, said that due to some complaints from members, the elections had been postponed.
“In accordance with the powers vested in the committee under section 8, (G) of the UMA constitution, the Electoral Committee took a decision to extend the election, which was scheduled to close on May 23,” Ekongot wrote.
“However , it has been pushed to Monday June 6 after which there will be no further extension.”
The new election date is thus June 6.
Ekongot explained that the decision was reached following guidance by UMA Policy Board which recommended that the members be given more time to understand how the voting is going to be conducted.
“Voter education is a strong pillar of democracy and as such should be given enough time. Voters need to reach polling day when they understand how the process is going to be conducted,” said Mesach Semakula, the UMA Board Chairperson.
Ekongot noted that further engagement and voter education shall be conducted.
Cinderella Sanyu aka Cindy Sanyu, Ssemanda Manisuli aka King Saha and Mutebi Ramadan aka Lord Bitemu are vying for UMA presidency.
Those contesting for the Secretary General Post include; Allan Toniks, Phinah Mugerwa and Omukunja Atasera.