President Museveni has called for a “criminal and electoral investigation” into the Kawempe North by-election, where Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) emerged victorious.
The president expressed concerns over several alleged irregularities in the election process.
In a statement on Sunday, Museveni confirmed that the investigation had already begun. He outlined accusations of ballot stuffing, altering results, and destroying ballot boxes, particularly in areas like Kazo-Angola and Mbogo Mosque zone.
The president also mentioned other reported incidents of campaign activities at polling stations, voter intimidation, and violence.
While Museveni acknowledged that the heavy deployment of security forces had helped prevent widespread violence, he emphasized that “micro crimes” were not effectively managed by election officials.
He warned those responsible for such actions, stressing that they would be held accountable.
Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of NUP defeated the ruling party’s Faridah Nambi in the election. However, the poll was marred by violent clashes, notably involving UPDF soldiers, who reportedly assaulted NUP supporters and journalists covering the event.
Museveni addressed these concerns, accusing NUP supporters of intimidating NRM voters and engaging in ballot stuffing. He called for an end to the intimidation of NRM members and demanded an apology from those responsible for such actions.
The president also responded to reports of UPDF soldiers assaulting journalists during the election, stating that an investigation was underway. Despite this, he defended the deployment of UPDF forces, highlighting their role in maintaining peace in Uganda and other regional operations.
Museveni attributed the need for military intervention in crowd control to the “indiscipline” of some opposition groups.
He recalled past incidents, such as the 2009 Kabaka riots and the November 2020 protests, which led to violence and loss of life, and blamed opposition elements for provoking such unrest.
The president also claimed that opposition groups were responsible for destroying ballot boxes in Kawempe North , underscoring that these criminal actions woul not go unpunished
