By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has accused opposition elements of orchestrating electoral violence and electoral malpractices during the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election. In a strongly worded statement, Museveni blamed the opposition for what he described as “criminal mistakes” and “indiscipline” that necessitated the deployment of elite military forces such as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT).
The President’s comments come amidst accusations from National Unity Platform (NUP) blaming Museveni’s government over the same electoral fraud and brutality meted against journalists and innocent voters who were seen being mercilessly beaten by JATT and UPDF soldiers.
Museveni noted that the heavy deployment of security forces managed to suppress mass violence, but lamented that “micro crimes” still took place, which he blamed on election officials who failed in their duties.
“Some people really miscalculate,” Museveni said. “To think you can commit such crimes against the law and the people when the NRM is in charge of the country is the highest form of shallowness.”
He warned that his government would hold everyone accountable, adding that those who intimidate NRM supporters should stop and apologize. Specifically calling out individuals who allegedly say “yemwe abatusibyeeko NRM,” he emphasized the need to respect Ugandans’ choices.
The President attributed Uganda’s stability to the UPDF, contrasting the peace in Uganda with instability in neighboring regions. “Uganda is like an island of peace in the region because of the UPDF. They have enough work fighting ADF, cattle rustlers in Karamoja, Kony in CAR, and al-Shabaab in Somalia,” Museveni said. “Yet they are diverted to deal with crowds because of the indiscipline of some opposition groups.”
He defended the use of UPDF and JATT in election-related crowd management, citing previous incidents of chaos allegedly organized by opposition groups. Referencing the Kabaka riots of 2009 and the 2020 riots in which lives were lost, Museveni accused the opposition of mobilizing violence, destroying ballot boxes, and attacking law enforcement.
“You have been inviting the NRM to attend to you. We shall do exactly that,” he said, suggesting that future elections will see even more military presence to prevent unrest and enforce electoral integrity.
Museveni acknowledged some “organizational mistakes” on the side of the ruling NRM, such as poor coordination and failure to effectively reach out to the electorate. However, he said the Central Executive Committee (CEC) was addressing these internal issues and had recently held a meeting to that effect.
Museveni’s message makes clear that his government will not hesitate to deploy military forces against wanainchi although he claims that this is intended to secure elections moving forward. “We shall hold everybody responsible accountable,” he declared.
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