Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has tasked President Yoweri Museveni to produce evidence of the 2021 Presidential elections, in which the President recently said his votes were rigged by 1 million votes by the National Unity Platform (NUP). UPC Spokesperson, Sharon Oyat Arach, made the call during a press conference, held at the UPC Head office on Uganda House in Kampala on Wednesday.
President Museveni made the remarks of vote rigging during a Security Expo at Munyono Commonwealth Resort Hotel on 12th September 2024 , while celebrating the life of late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, President Yoweri K. Museveni claimed that in the 2021 presidential race, the National Unity Party (NUP) stole 1 million votes. He (President) further alleged that even the 1961 and 1962 elections were equally cheated by the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and Kabaka Yeka (KY).
“This is not a good statement to make by the President at this material time when the 2025/2026 general polls are just around the corner! If there is any election dispute, let the evidence be tabled to the right authorities and allow the law to take its course”, Ms. Arach said in a statement.
She pointed out that during the 1994 constituent elections under the National Resistance Army (NRA), one ballot box and one ballot paper were introduced to bridge the vote rigging gaps.
“However, we must bring it to the attention of the general public that our previous elections of 1958, 1961, 1962 and 1980 are more credible than any other subsequent elections organised by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) led government. This has been proved by our courts of law!” she added.
She said the subsequent by-election for Oyam North County, which was held because of the death of Minister of State for Labour Hon. Charles Engola (R.I.P), there was open ballot ticking and stuffing at majorly two polling stations.
“The Independent Electoral Commission stopped the voting in those two centres and ordered a fresh voting process after a thorough engagement, which involved our Party President, Hon. Jimmy Akena. In Dokolo District Woman MP by-election, a Toyota Harrier fully loaded with pre-ticked ballot papers was intercepted, “she further pointed out, saying such incidents undermine the spirit of democracy.
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