Uganda’s Electoral Commission chairman, Simon Byabakama, has revealed that he has received threats warning him against declaring certain presidential candidates as winners in the ongoing election. Uganda Election Chief Faces Threats Over Vote Declaration. Despite facing pressure from unnamed senior state officials, Byabakama remains resolute, vowing not to be intimidated in fulfilling his legal duties.
Responding to questions about a widely circulated video, Byabakama clarified that some influential figures had attempted to coerce him into declaring President Yoweri Museveni the victor, regardless of the actual vote count. The video, which has raised alarms across the nation, featured a presidential assistant stating that the Electoral Commission would never announce opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) as president, even if he won the race.
Byabakama, undeterred by such threats, emphasized that the final election results would be determined solely by the voters, in line with Uganda’s legal framework. “Fear does not exist in my vocabulary,” he declared. He also pointed out that only the will of the people and the law would guide the election outcome, not the personal interests or intimidation tactics of any individual.
Bobi Wine, the prominent opposition candidate and former pop star, has challenged President Museveni, who is seeking his seventh term after more than 35 years in power. Despite ongoing challenges and allegations of election interference, Byabakama reassured the public that the process would be conducted transparently and in accordance with the law. He also noted that the final results would be declared within 48 hours of the election’s close.
In a related development, internet access and mobile services were cut off nationwide ahead of the vote, in what authorities justified as a measure to control misinformation and electoral fraud. However, this move has raised concerns about suppression and restricted freedoms during the electoral process, with the UN human rights office expressing deep concerns.
While opposition parties have voiced concerns about the heavy military presence at some polling stations, Byabakama stated that the deployment was meant to maintain peace and stability, rather than intimidate voters. He further assured that any complaints regarding polling station locations being within military premises would be thoroughly investigated, with corrective actions taken if necessary.
Byabakama’s commitment to ensuring a fair election, despite the external pressures, underscores the determination of Uganda’s electoral system to honor its democratic processes. As the country awaits the final results, all eyes will remain on the actions of both the government and opposition, with hopes that the election’s outcome reflects the true will of the Ugandan people.
