New Electoral Commission (EC) head Simon Byabakama has asked government to support local manufacturers who can print voting materials to avoid massive foreign exchange outflows.
He made the remarks on Friday during a media managers breakfast at Kampala Serena Hotel.
“All we need are security measures to satisfy all stakeholders that we are not helping someone,” said Byabakama.
EC Secretary Sam Rwakoojo said the commission spent a staggering $10m (Shs 35bn) on printing materials abroad.
“The Commission doesn’t have enough funds,” said Byabakama, adding, “We should save money and support our local industries.”
He said the printing process is not “magical”, insisting, “The problem is perception.”
Previous Commissions have been accused of rigging elections in favour of the incumbent.
Rwakoojo also described as “painful” the idea of “giving away ten million dollars to people abroad” to print what can be done from here.
He said materials for by-elections and national examinations are printed from Uganda, wondering why presidential election papers are printed from foreign countries.
He said the multiplier effect of spending $10m in the country would boost the economy.
