Views: 11
A section of Opposition MPs have punched holes in the proposal by cabinet to ban the commercialization of politics saying it’s difficult because that’s what sustains voters.
it should be recalled that recently, the Electoral Commission called for the need to enact a law to regulate election financing, which influences the will of the people and, to a large extent, predetermines the election outcome.
Following the electral commission request a head of 2026 now the cabinet has endorsed proposals to put the brakes on commercialisation of politics in the country.
It means violators especially candidates who violate this Law if enacted will be face imprisonment and fines.
In an interview, Nakaseke South MP Paulson Lutamaguzi Semakula says if the commercialization of politics is completely banned the NRM govt will lose most on because they’re the initiators of commercialization of politics.
Lutamaguzi says banning the commercialization of politics by Gov’t is only rhetorical it can’t work out it will be difficult to put it in practice because most leaders especially in candidates thrive their victory by giving out to their voters.
He says govt is a role model to commercializing politics the president has been witnessed severely issuing out envelopes to people on functions which he attends in the country.
He says it will be difficult for religious leaders to stop candidates who donate to church or mosques for construction of places of worship.
Byte…
Tochi County Member of Parliament (Omoro District) Peter Okot also DP Whip says it’s good to put in place a law that will prevent the commercialization of politics.
He however expresses worry about how this Law will curtail commercialization of politics.
He says it is okay for MPs to be allowed to fundraise for their campaign trails because it’s a period when MPs need funds to push their campaigns as he explains.