Uganda Election Chief Threatened by Officials, Pledges to Uphold Voters’ Choice
Simon Byabakama says only voters and the law will determine the presidential outcome
- Uganda’s Electoral Commission Chief, Simon Byabakama
- Byabakama affirmed that only voters and the law will determine the winner
- Concerns over military presence and polling stations inside military facilities
The head of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, has revealed that senior state officials attempted to pressure him to influence the outcome of Thursday’s presidential election.
He, however, affirmed that he will not be intimidated and that the winner will be determined solely by the voters and the law.
Speaking to the BBC at the commission’s headquarters in Kampala, Byabakama declined to name the officials who issued the threats. “Some people say if you don’t declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes,” he stated.
His remarks came after a video circulated showing Yiga Kisakyamukama, a special presidential assistant, asserting that President Yoweri Museveni “will remain on the chair” and would never leave power through the ballot, even if opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, won. Byabakama rejected that claim, citing the law: “The law says that the candidate who receives more than 50% plus one of the total valid votes cast is the president of Uganda,” he said, adding that he would declare the result based on voters’ choice.
Museveni, 81, has led Uganda for nearly four decades and is seeking a seventh term. Bobi Wine, 43, a former pop star, is his main challenger, attempting for the second time to unseat the long-serving leader. Six other candidates are also contesting the presidency. About 21.6 million voters are registered in a country with one of the world’s youngest populations.
The campaign has been marred by reports of harassment of opposition activities, including arrests and dispersal of rallies. Byabakama stated that election results will be announced within 48 hours of polls closing, as required by law.
Regarding concerns over the heavy military presence at polling stations, he said security forces are deployed to maintain order and not to intimidate voters. He also acknowledged opposition claims that some polling stations are located within military facilities and said the commission is investigating. “If we find that it is true, we shall take the necessary measures to address it,” he said.
Authorities also restricted internet and mobile services nationwide ahead of the vote, citing efforts to curb misinformation and electoral fraud, raising concerns among critics about repression and transparency in the electoral process.
