Uganda

Ex-Soldier and current host of VOA’s “Straight Talk Africa” show Dr. Shaka Ssali is one of three moderators named for this weekend’s 2nd Uganda Presidential debate.

According to the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) 'Media Coverage of the 2016 elections January 2016 findings', the five received more media coverage in January than they did in December.

Shaka Ssali, host and managing editor of Voice of America’s TV and radio program Straight Talk Africa, was selected to serve as one of three moderators for the Uganda presidential debate in Kampala, Uganda on February 13, 2016.

Organisers of the second televised presidential debate remain uncertain about the appearance of President Museveni despite several negotiations with the incumbent's team ahead of the debate due tomorrow.

The trio is expected to preside over a debate that will majorly focus on peace and security, foreign relations, East African integration, the Great Lakes region and terrorism.

The incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni has expressed willingness to attend the second round of the Presidential debate set for this Saturday the 13th.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni once again looks like he will not be attending the last presidential debate ahead of the February 18 presidential elections. The debate is to be held on February 13.

The debate brings into our living rooms the contest of ideas. More importantly, the live debates unite in one space all our leaders who would ordinarily find it unacceptable to share the same space with sworn political opponents.

Mr Museveni who also snubbed the inaugural debate in January dismissed it as a childish event that wasn't worth his time. His pulling out of the debate marks the third time he has withdrawn from presidential debates including declining to participate in the 1996 debate with Dr Paul Ssemogerere.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda says the last presidential debate ahead of the February 18 general election will proceed as planned on February 13, despite local media reports that incumbent President Yoweri Museveni will not be available to participate.