MS Uganda’s posters on democracy have been acknowledged and used by Ugandan local authorities since 2002

It is with regret that MS Uganda find that our democracy posters meant for civic education are mistakenly perceived as election posters meant for the 2006 election and as such became part of an impromptu press meeting yesterday 13. February. The posters were never meant to be part of the election campaign, they are not partisan political and do not depict any persons in or outside government in particular.

We recognize the democratic development which has taken place over the last 20 years. We have worked loyally with the government since 2002 when we launched our Democracy: Your Handbook booklet and posters. The posters depict situations which are generally regarded as democratic and others which are looked upon as undemocratic. The material makes part of our civic education material which has been known and used together with Ugandan organizations and institutions for the last four years.

The seized posters which are printed in Tanzania would not have been launched or distributed without the clearance of the Electoral Commission. MS Uganda has never wanted to act in a ‘subterranean’ manner or antagonize government. We regret the timing which happened at an inappropriate time being so near the elections. As a consequence we will not distribute any of the material before the elections.

Sent from MS Uganda to Ugandan media February 14th 2006