Kampala — Kinkizi West parliamentary seat aspirant James Garuga Musinguzi has protested to the Electoral Commission over the alleged deployment of UPDF troops in the constituency and purported involvement of government officials in the by-election due there.

In a letter to the commission chief, Badru Kiggundu, copied to President Yoweri Museveni and diplomatic missions, Musinguzi yesterday called on army chief James Kazini to withdraw the order to the UPDF to support defence minister Amama Mbabazi in the upcoming polls.

EC acting public relations officer Teddy Mugote said the commission had received Musinguzi's complaints and was studying the issues he raised.

"As we speak, the Electoral Commission is discussing the matter," she added.

Musinguzi is a Reform Agenda activist, a pressure group started by former presidential candidate Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye. The Court of Appeal recently cancelled Mbabazi's election, citing malpractices. The High Court had earlier declared the elections invalid after Musinguzi petitioned.

"Over the past three weeks, more than 7,000 new UPDF officers and men have been moved into Kinkizi West constituency to support Hon. Mbabazi's campaign. They have been given two sets of new army uniforms," Musinguzi said. He said on Christmas day, they were hosted to a feast of six head of cattle by Mbabazi.

He said the troops were intimidating voters as they did during the 2001 presidential elections and in the annulled parliamentary elections.

Musinguzi said the troops were camouflaged in civilian clothes and others were Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence operatives.

But Army spokesman Major Shaban Bantariza said, "If he has protested to the EC, that is the best thing to do. The EC is an independent body and they will be able to go there and verify whether we are there or not."

"Why should we send 7,000 troops in a constituency, to do what?" he asked.

Musinguzi said the campaign and election has been rendered sectarian and contrary to the individual merit principle by government officials who have declared their support for Mbabazi.

"In the meantime, I am instructing my lawyers to take all necessary court action to ensure that your commission and all concerned abide by the Constitution and electoral laws," he stated.

He said Rukungiri district officials had stopped the movement of his supporters through Rukungiri but the officials denied this.