President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly condemned electoral malpractices in the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election, emphasizing that those responsible will be held accountable. In his statement, the President highlighted serious allegations, including ballot stuffing, result alterations, ballot box destruction, voter intimidation, and violence at polling stations.
The President made it clear that while the heavy deployment of security forces prevented large-scale violence, election officials failed to curb localized crimes such as ballot stuffing. He warned those engaging in electoral fraud, stating:
“To think that you can commit such crimes against the law and the people when the NRM is in charge of the country is the highest form of shallowness.”
Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, insisting on the strict use of biometric verification to eliminate voter fraud. He underscored the historical dangers of ballot-stuffing, which has plagued Uganda since 1961, leading to political instability and lack of accountability among leaders.
“That is why we are insisting on only biometric verification. Nobody else who is not bio-metrically verified will vote.”
The President also cautioned NRM members against engaging in electoral malpractice in response to opposition misconduct, urging them to uphold integrity and defend democratic principles.
While acknowledging concerns over the conduct of security personnel, particularly towards journalists, Museveni questioned why security forces had to be involved in election crowd control. He attributed this to the indiscipline of certain opposition groups, citing past violent incidents, including the 2009 Kabaka riots and the 2020 November riots.
“Uganda is like an island of peace in the region because of the UPDF. They have enough work fighting ADF, cattle rustlers in Karamoja, Kony in CAR, and al-Shabaab in Somalia.”
He reiterated that the presence of security forces in crowd control was a response to lawlessness and called for discipline among political actors.
The President assured Ugandans that investigations into the Kawempe North by-election irregularities are ongoing and those found guilty of destroying ballot boxes or intimidating voters will face justice. He noted that NRM’s organizational weaknesses also contributed to electoral challenges and that the party leadership is working to address them.
“Investigations will show us who destroyed the ballot paper boxes at Kazo-Angola, Mbogo centre, etc., and why.”
President Museveni’s message is a strong warning against electoral malpractice, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and national stability. As Uganda moves forward, he calls on all political actors to respect the choices of the people and uphold electoral integrity.
Check Full Statement
Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, greetings.
It is good that we are getting the rains after a very hot season. Stop damaging the environment, please, wherever you are.
In this piece, I am writing to inform you that an electoral and criminal investigation has started in the Kawempe North by-election.
The following allegations have come up: ballot papers stuffing, altering results, destroying ballot boxes in Kazo-Angola, Mbogo Mosque zone, etc., because some people did not want those votes to be counted.
The heavy deployment of security forces may have stopped mass violence, but it could not stop these micro crimes that should have been managed by the election officials.
Those who intimidate NRM supporters must stop and apologize to those you intimidate. Respect the Ugandans’ choices.
Ballot-stuffing has been going on since 1961. That is how Uganda ended up being unstable. This will stop.
That is why we are insisting on only biometric verification. It must be one person, one vote.
NRM members must not cheat. Work to crush that disenfranchisement of the Ugandan people.
I have heard people talking about harsh methods by some security elements, especially against journalists. We are studying this.
Uganda is an island of peace in the region because of the UPDF. They have enough work fighting ADF, cattle-rustlers in Karamoja, Kony in CAR, al-Shabaab in Somalia, etc.
There, they shoot to kill. That is why nightclub goers can dance the whole night in peace.
We shall hold everybody accountable.
Signed:
YOWERI K. MUSEVENI
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
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