Ugandans have been called upon to resist voting people who offer them money as the country prepares for general elections in 2011.

CCEDU Launch

Maggie Lukowa, the Coordinator of the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) says Ugandans should avoid commercialising their votes if the country is to get good leaders and achieve meaningful democracy.

She says everyone should treat their vote with honour by voting for candidates based on value of what the aspirants have promised to do for the electorate.

She was speaking during a media sensitisation workshop for journalists to report fairly and responsibly on the campaigns and other election processes.

Journalists were urged to question the promises that candidates make during campaigns and to report fairly on all candidates in a race for a particular post.

CCEDU, coalition of over 600 non-governmental organizations says in addition to sensitizing the media, they have launched a short messaging service (SMS) platform to receive complaints regarding elections- a move expected to promote transparency in the electoral process.

Godwin Byaruhanga, an official from CCEDU says they are also carrying out a campaign encouraging the youth and other members of the public to turn for voting, vote responsible leaders and to make service minded demands to leaders.