Museveni Orders Investigation into Kawempe Election, Questions Why UPDF and JATT Were Involved

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed a thorough investigation into allegations of vote rigging and election malpractice in the Kawempe North by-election. Concerns have been raised about ballot-stuffing, result tampering, and voter intimidation.

The President pointed out several issues, including:

- Ballot stuffing and result alterations

- Destruction of ballot boxes in areas like Kazo-Angola and Mbogo Mosque zone

- Campaigning at polling stations, which is against electoral laws

- Intimidation and violence against voters and election officials

Museveni noted that while security forces prevented major violence, they did not stop all election-related crimes. He stated that the Electoral Commission should have handled these issues more effectively.

Museveni also warned that those involved in electoral malpractice would be held accountable.

"Some people miscalculate. To think that you can commit such crimes when the NRM is in charge is the highest form of shallowness. We shall hold everybody responsible accountable," he said.

He also urged those intimidating NRM supporters to apologize and respect the choices of voters.

The President emphasized biometric verification as a way to curb election fraud. He stated that only voters verified biometrically should be allowed to cast their ballots.

"That is why we are insisting on only biometric verification. Nobody else who is not biometrically verified will vote. It must be one person, one vote," Museveni said, adding that a suspect had been caught with 18 ballot papers.

Museveni addressed concerns over the role of security forces, particularly reports of journalists being mistreated. He said the government was reviewing the issue but questioned why the UPDF and JATT were involved in crowd control.

He noted that Uganda’s security forces should focus on national security threats such as:

- ADF insurgents

- Cattle rustlers in Karamoja

- LRA remnants in the Central African Republic

- Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia

He accused some opposition groups of inciting violence, destroying ballot boxes, and causing unrest.

Museveni also pointed out weaknesses within the NRM, such as poor organization and failure to engage with ordinary Ugandans. He suggested that some election fraud cases might be linked to the NRM’s strong support in certain areas, making them targets for vote manipulation.

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https://x.com/KagutaMuseveni/status/1901257105744519329?s=19

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