By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has reacted strongly to President Yoweri Museveni’s recent allegations that the National Unity Platform (NUP) stole one million votes in the 2021 presidential elections. The party asserts that such statements undermine the integrity of the electoral process, particularly with upcoming elections on the horizon.
“The electoral issues are of utmost importance and must be handled with care and commitment,” UPC Spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon stated. “We believe elections should be free and fair to foster a democratic society where all voices are heard.”
During the inaugural 2024 Kampala Defence and Security Expo, President Museveni’s comments, which also implicated UPC in past electoral fraud, have raised concerns among political analysts. UPC believes that these accusations may necessitate a comprehensive inquiry into the electoral practices of past elections, including those from 1996 to 2021.
Muzeyi Faizo, the UPC Head of Media and communication emphasized the importance of evidence-based claims, urging that any electoral disputes should be directed to appropriate legal channels. “If there are allegations of wrongdoing, they should be substantiated and presented to the relevant authorities,” Said Muzeyi .
Further complicating the discussion, President Museveni praised the late Gen. Aronda Nyakayirima for his role in pioneering electronic voting but suggested that elections should be canceled if biometric machines fail. UPC strongly opposes this view, advocating instead for manual voting procedures to ensure transparency and accessibility.
Addressing a gathering of retired senior army officers, Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding announced that retired military personnel would be recalled for security duties in the 2026 elections. Muzeyi said this militarization of the electoral process, poses a significant risk of voter intimidation and manipulation, and the party has consistently called for a demilitarization of elections.
As Uganda approaches the next general elections, UPC reiterates its commitment to enhancing democratic processes and ensuring that every citizen’s vote counts. The party remains vigilant in its efforts to foster a political environment that accommodates all Ugandans, free from intimidation and malpractices.
