Electoral Commission deregisters inactive political parties.

The Electoral Commission has deregistered 11 inactive political parties in Uganda, leaving only 27 parties in operation.

Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, the chairman of the commission, said they had resolved to deregister the parties pending a final decision by the High Court.

Prior to the 2011 Local Council, District, Parliamentary and Presidential elections, the electoral commission registered several political parties to field candidates in the contests. They were required to remain in active politics if not face deregistration.

The deregistered Parties are the Social Democratic Party registered by former Makindye East MP Michael Mabikke, Action Party led by Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, the National Redemption Party, New Order Democracy and People’s Independent Party, the Progressive Alliance Party, the Reform Party, Uganda Mandate Party, Bridge Party, Movement for Democratic Change and Movement Volunteer Mobiliser’s Organisation.

“The Electoral Commission has resolved to proceed and invoke Section 21 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act 2005 to apply to the High Court of Uganda to have the 11 parties deregistered,” said Kiggundu while addressing journalists at the Commission's boardroom in kampala.

He said under this Act, a party is required to hold a delegates conference to elect leaders every five years, submit an annual audit report and a declaration of assets and liabilities.