Uganda: Pastor Held Over Election Malpractices

Mbarara, Uganda - Court in Kiboga District has remanded a pastor of Elim Church over allegations of inciting violence during the just concluded general elections.

Pastor Joash Haguma Gasana was the chief campaigner for Ms Rose Zimulinda, who was beaten to the Woman MP seat. Pastor Gasana fled the country days after the polls, following reports that the police would arrest him on allegations of electoral violence. He returned last week and was arrested and arraigned before Kiboga Chief Magistrate.

Pastor Gasana is accused of undue influence in the electoral process contrary to section 76 (a) of the Presidential and Parliamentary Electoral Act.

Prosecution alleges that Gasana and others still at large on February 18 while at Katarama polling station in Katarama village unlawfully obstructed of poll process. Pastor Gasana was not allowed to enter any plea. He was remanded to Kiboga Prison until March 29.