By Begumisa Aksam
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has announced a suspension of the presidential debate that was set to bring together all candidates in the 2021 presidential race for a live debate.
The presidential debate was slated for December 4th and 5th, 2020 and similar debates were also to be carried out in a few selected constituencies for members of parliament, but in a twist of events IRUC said the event will not be taking place on those dates.
IRCU indicated that due to unforeseen constraints, including limited resources and the Covid-19 pandemic situation, the convening organizations regret to inform the General public that the presidential and constituency debates are for now indefinitely postponed.
“IRCU together with partners call upon the candidates and the entire electorate to continue engaging in a peaceful manner as we prepare for the forthcoming 2021 elections,” a letter signed off by Grand Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Mubajje on the behalf of the IRCU reads in part.
The debates were being organized by IRCU, The Elder’s Council Forum Uganda, the National Consultancy Forum, the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) and the Electoral Commission.
According to IRCU the debates were intended to provide a balanced space for all presidential candidates to sell their agenda to Ugandans by sharing their manifestoes, visions and also raise issues from the electorate.
The occasion was also to provide an open and inclusive platform to enable Ugandans to engage their prospective candidates on the vision and development process they have for the country.
