By Aggrey Buluba
President Yoweri Museveni has alleged that the National Unity Platform (NUP) cheated in the 2021 presidential election by inflating its vote count by one million votes. The President made these claims during his address at the Kampala Defence and Security Expo, held in Munyonyo, Kampala.
Museveni stated that his evidence was based on data from the electronic voting system that was introduced by the late General Aronda Nyakairima, who served as Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs until his death in 2015. The electronic voting system, according to Museveni, provided clear proof of irregularities during the 2021 election, which saw him declared the winner amid allegations of fraud by the opposition.
“Based on the electronic voting system that Gen. Aronda Nyakairima introduced, I have evidence that NUP cheated in the last presidential election by one million votes,” Museveni asserted, highlighting what he called a “serious flaw” in the democratic process.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing tension and controversy over the election results, which NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and his supporters have vehemently disputed. They accused the government of using intimidation, voter suppression, and electoral malpractice to ensure Museveni’s victory.
During his speech, Museveni also took the opportunity to remember and appreciate the late General Nyakairima for his contributions to Uganda’s security sector, including the introduction of the electronic voting system, which he praised as a critical tool for ensuring transparency in elections.
The Kampala Defence and Security Expo gathered senior government officials, members of the security forces, and defense experts to discuss and showcase advancements in defense technology and strategies to bolster national security.
Museveni’s claims are likely to fuel further debate over the legitimacy of the 2021 election results and the role of electronic voting in Uganda’s electoral process. The NUP has not yet responded to the President’s allegations.
The late General Aronda Nyakairima, who was remembered at the Expo, served as Chief of Defence Forces and was known for his role in modernizing Uganda’s military and security apparatus. His untimely death in 2015 was mourned across the country, and his legacy continues to be a significant point of reference in Uganda’s political and security landscape.
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