National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has decried widespread electoral malpractice in Uganda’s by-elections, citing it as part of a deliberate strategy by the government to suppress opposition voices and distort democratic processes.
In a statement he posted on his X account after Kisoro’s by-election defeat, Bobi Wine expressed solidarity with his party’s candidate, Sultana Salim, who faced significant challenges in the just-concluded by-election.
Reflecting on past by-elections, Bobi Wine outlined a consistent pattern of alleged electoral fraud. “After the Kyadondo East by-election, we swept Bugiri and Arua. Our candidates triumphed in Jinja East and Rukungiri with our support,” he said. However, he noted a shift in the regime’s strategy, starting with Hoima, where “Hon. Asinasi Nyakato was robbed in broad daylight, although she later triumphed in the general election.”
Kyagulanyi highlighted key instances of what he described as “blatant rigging,” including the Kayunga by-election where the NRM candidate was declared the winner despite Harriet Nakwedde winning at all polling stations. “Museveni went there and stated that no matter what we did, NRM would have the last word,” he remarked.
The NUP leader also accused the regime of employing tactics such as ballot stuffing, intimidation, and bribery, particularly in the Soroti East, Omoro, and Busongora South by-elections. “Even in places where their candidates could potentially win comfortably, they engaged in massive ballot stuffing,” he asserted.
Regarding the Kisoro by-election, Bobi Wine criticized the Electoral Commission for giving candidates only 11 days to campaign in a district with 24 sub-counties. “This was clearly intended to benefit the NRM candidates,” he said, adding that media reports of low voter turnout were contradicted by the inflated results announced later.
Despite these challenges, Kyagulanyi has urged his supporters to remain resilient. “Do not be discouraged. The struggle against dictatorship and misrule will involve many challenges before we get to victory,” he stated.
He lauded the people of Kisoro for their warm reception and emphasized the strides NUP has made in the district. “We have moved from the regime saying there is no NUP in Kisoro, to now saying NUP is not strong in Kisoro. That is a significant step, and we shall build on that towards victory,” he declared.
He also expressed pride in Sultana Salim for her courageous fight. “She put up a firm fight amidst tough odds. We must continue to use all avenues, including elections, to awaken our people and push the message of freedom.”
Meanwhile, as in the just concluded Kisoro By-election independent candidate Grace Akifeza Ngabirano was declared the winner of the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament seat. Akifeza narrowly defeated the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Rose Kabagyeni.
According to the official results from the Electoral Commission:
Akifeza Grace Ngabirano (Independent) – 50,459 votes
Kabagyeni Rose (NRM) – 44,982 votes
Zubedi Sultana Salim (NUP) – 903 votes
Ingabire Mable (UPC) – 362 votes
Musanase Juliet(FDC) – 193 votes
Cyimpaye Aisha (PPP) – 157 votes
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