Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Forced by Opposition MPs to Halt Voter Verification Process

Parliament was thrown into chaos after Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa was compelled to halt discussions on the voter verification report due to constitutional concerns raised by opposition MPs.

The development has sparked intense debate over the credibility of the electoral process ahead of Uganda’s next general elections.

The controversy erupted after opposition lawmakers, led by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, challenged the legal framework under which the verification exercise was being conducted.

They argued that the process, as presented by the government, lacked transparency and could be used to manipulate voter rolls in favor of the ruling party.

“The Constitution is clear on how electoral processes should be handled. We cannot allow a flawed system that lacks accountability,” Ssenyonyi said while addressing Parliament.

He accused the government of rushing the process without proper oversight, potentially paving the way for electoral fraud.

In response to the pressure, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa ruled that the report would not proceed for debate until all legal and constitutional concerns were addressed.

“We cannot afford to have a process that raises more questions than answers. Let’s ensure everything is done in line with the law,” he stated.

The opposition's move to halt the verification process has been met with mixed reactions. While some lawmakers argue it is necessary to safeguard free and fair elections, government supporters insist it is a deliberate attempt to frustrate the electoral commission’s work.

LINK: https://x.com/ntvuganda/status/1887124055687335939

With elections approaching, the fate of the voter verification process now hangs in the balance. The government will have to address the constitutional concerns before the exercise can resume, setting the stage for yet another political showdown in Parliament.