Activists have said without peace in the ongoing electoral process, the country can’t have a free and fair in 2021.The remarks were made during a media dialogue on the International Day of Peace under the theme: “Shaping peace together”.The dialogue was aired live on NBS television on Monday.Adekemi Ndieli, the deputy country representative, UN Women Uganda, said while Uganda is relatively peaceful, there are possibilities of conflict in the forthcoming general elections.Ndieli highlighted the need for a joint effort to call for the prevention of the escalation of violence.“Peace is about how people’s lives can be better, not just the absence of war. The laws are there in Uganda and Africa, but there are gaps between the framework and implementation,”she said.Angela Nakafeero, the commissioner of Gender and Women Affairs in the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said shaping peace together is very important, especially now that women’s role is being brought in peace building.“We acknowledge that gender-based violence cases are still high.We have had financing challenges around implementing the National Action Plan I and II on improving peace and security,”she said.Rachael Wanyana, the Programme officer, Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), said most of the electoral challenges we have originate from the grassroots.The deputy chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Aisha Lubega, said without peace in the electoral process, we can’t have a free and fair election.“We want to involve the ladies in the tribunals.The law is very clear that there has to be a woman on the tribunal even though women shy away from being part of these processes,”she said.Lubega encouraged women to be part of the polling process and tribunals to reduce voter bribery cases.She said the commission is always open to engaging all stakeholders to ensure the delivery of free and fair elections.“The EC is doing voter education, particularly targeting women,” she said. Facebook Twitter
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