President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has raised serious concerns over what he described as grave electoral irregularities involving the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Kampala, warning that the alleged actions represent a troubling escalation in Uganda’s electoral malpractice.
Speaking during a live radio talk show from his Kisozi farm, the President claimed that the scale and sophistication of the alleged fraud went far beyond previous experiences.
“In Kampala, there was ballot stuffing, but this time they went further. Fake ballot papers were printed on Nkrumah Road—about one million—and about 1.7 million votes were brought in from Dubai. Altogether, that is about 2.7 million votes,” Museveni said.
Historical Context of Electoral Disputes
Museveni noted that election-related challenges are not new in Uganda, tracing the problem back to the country’s early post-independence years.
“Vote rigging has been there since 1962,” he said, recalling a time when political parties used separate ballot boxes, a system that enabled multiple voting and ballot stuffing.
He added that following the disputed 1962 elections, Uganda did not hold another national election for 18 years, until 1980.
Electoral Reforms Under NRM
The President said that after the NRM came to power, his government introduced reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
“We introduced open lining-up, one ballot paper and one ballot box with candidates’ pictures. These measures can work, but they depend on vigilance,” he said.
Looking ahead, Museveni revealed that the government is strengthening the deployment of biometric voter verification machines to counter emerging forms of electoral fraud.
“This time, there will not be vote rigging. Even if your finger is eroded, your eyes are not. Biometrics will stop ballot stuffing,” he said, responding to concerns about manual labourers whose fingerprints may be worn out.
Security Conduct and Maintaining Peace
On the conduct of security agencies during elections, Museveni cautioned against excessive force, describing violence against civilians as unnecessary.
“Beating people shows lack of patience. Torture during elections is not necessary, and I will engage the security forces on this,” he said.
However, he stressed that maintaining peace remains non-negotiable.
“No one will be allowed to disturb Uganda’s peace. Those who attempt to cause disorder will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.
Responding to claims that security forces may be overwhelmed during unrest, Museveni said order depends on organisation, not numbers.
“Peace and order are maintained through organisation, not numbers alone,” he said.
Development, Infrastructure and Service Delivery
Turning to development, Museveni highlighted progress in the Greater Mubende sub-region, while pointing out gaps linked to leadership and prioritisation.
“Kasanda has only 34 percent access to safe water. That reflects leadership choices,” he said, contrasting it with districts that have achieved higher coverage.
He cited improvements in electricity, roads, telecommunications, schools, and health centres, noting that areas like Kyankwanzi now have infrastructure that previously did not exist.
On health, the President attributed population growth in the region to government immunisation programmes.
“Mityana now has over 400,000 people. The population increased because children are surviving,” he said.
Jobs, Education and the Economy
Museveni reiterated that government cannot be the main employer in a country approaching 50 million people.
“Government jobs are about 480,000. Real jobs come from wealth—factories, commercial agriculture, services and ICT,” he said, noting that factories now employ about 1.3 million Ugandans.
He defended free education, blaming school dropouts on the reintroduction of school fees.
“When we introduced UPE, charges came back, and that led to dropouts,” he said, adding that affected youth are being absorbed into Presidential Skilling Hubs.
Regional Markets and Economic Integration
The President also cautioned against inward-looking economic thinking, criticising opposition leaders for failing to emphasise regional markets.
“None of the opposition presidential candidates talk about the regional market. That thinking is dangerous,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the importance of unity and integration:
“Our elders taught us ‘Uhuru na Umoja’—freedom and unity. Being a big fish in small ponds weakens us.”