The head of Uganda's electoral body, Simon Byabakama, has made headlines after revealing that he has received threats discouraging him from declaring certain candidates as winners in the upcoming presidential elections. In a press briefing, Byabakama made it clear that these threats will not deter him from his duty.
He stated, 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, emphasizing that the electoral outcome will be based solely on the will of the voters.
Rumors and political tension have been high as the election approaches, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking a seventh term in office. The main challenger, 43-year-old Bobi Wine, a former pop star, aims to unseat Museveni, who has held power for nearly four decades. In addition to these two candidates, six others are campaigning for the presidency, competing for the votes of approximately 21.6 million registered voters.
Byabakama's commitment to transparency comes amid allegations from opposition members regarding the suppression of their activities, including reports of police intervention at rallies and the detention of activists. In response to a specific incident involving a presidential assistant remarking that opposition candidates would not be declared winners, Byabakama stressed the importance of adhering to electoral laws.
He assured the public that he would announce official results within 48 hours following the close of polling and reiterated that only the votes would dictate the election's outcome.
Despite the tense environment marked by heavy military presence and recent internet restrictions to curb misinformation, Byabakama remains steadfast, asserting, Fear is a word that does not exist in my vocabulary. He insists on a fair electoral process, stating, It is the voters who determine how many votes a candidate gets. What the voters have said is what I will declare to the nation.
