The Phone Call from US's John Kerry to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni

Museveni and Kerry discussed elections on phone yesterday.

Secretary Kerry's Call with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

Readout
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 19, 2016


Secretary Kerry spoke over the phone today with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to underscore that Uganda’s progress depends on adherence to democratic principles in the ongoing election process and that the United States stands by the Ugandan people as they undertake this most essential democratic endeavor.

The Secretary expressed his concern about the detentions of opposition candidate Kizza Besigye and harassment of opposition party members during voting and tallying, and he urged President Museveni to rein in the police and security forces, noting that such action calls into question Uganda’s commitment to a transparent and credible election process free from intimidation.

Secretary Kerry also expressed concern about the Government of Uganda’s decision to block several popular social media and mobile money sites starting on Election Day, and he urged President Museveni to end this blockage immediately.

Finally, the Secretary noted the delay in the opening of many polling stations. Secretary Kerry said he was encouraged that the Electoral Commission is taking steps to extend polling for certain areas.

CLICK HERE FOR >> The two US State Department press conferences Thursday and Friday where Uganda was on the agenda

.@JohnKerry express concern to @KagutaMuseveni about detentions of @kizzabesigye1 & harassment of opposition party members #UgandaDecides

— U.S. Mission Uganda (@usmissionuganda) February 19, 2016

Uganda govt must allow elections w/o intimidation. Harassing oppo members, detaining Besigye, curbing social media undermine credibility

— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) February 19, 2016

Museveni's reply to Kerry's concerns