Election periods are significant in determining any country's future but on contrary such times in Uganda have never been peaceful.  For instance, walk to work protests dogged  post 2011 elections as opposition led by Kizza Besigye went to streets demonstrating against the then hiking cost of living. However, government decoded it as a mean to overthrow it, hence using an iron hard to quash the demonstration.

As Uganda head to polls early next year, this time around; a confrontation between opposition politicians and security organs has kicked off and is preoccupying pre-election time resulting into violence and abuse of human rights.  Seemingly, “Police now works as the Electoral Commission by controlling political contestations and campaigns.” 

The road to 2016 polls appears to be characterized by teargas, undressing of women, suppressing demonstrations, betrayal among political parties, coalitions (The Democratic Alliance), and conflicts among the ruling party primaries. 

These issues were a subject of debate during a dialogue at Makerere University Main hall on Saturday at under the theme "how prepared is Uganda for the next general elections."

Speaking at the dialogue John Jean Barya, an associate professor of law at Makerere University argued that it is three months to general elections but there is no serious political process or contestations because of the low and suffocating space provided to most especially the opposition.

He opined that instead the Electoral Commission is now dancing to the tunes of the ruling party, and the police which is now militarized. “It determines who, where, how, and when to campaign and this at times Denys the opposition the freedom of speech, association and expression to their supporters,” he said.

Dr. Kenneth Omona, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Deputy Treasurer said that besides the opposition, his party is ready to contest come in 2016.  He said that the ruling party has done it is part in building the nation, providing peace, stability and freedom to the citizens. "Nation building is a combined responsibility" Dr Kenneth said.

Mary Mutesi, an NRM lawyer and a political analyst said that there is nothing unique about 2016; “elections are on and there will be a victor at the end of it.” She added that “yellow plates” are clean and already on the table and the same thing applies to blue, green and other parties.