The deputy spokesperson of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has made a passionate call for the urgent resignation of President Yoweri Museveni, labeling him as the chief orchestrator of election violence. Mufumbiro argues that the “Museveni government” has failed to organize elections fairly, and therefore, the president should step down from his position.
Mufumbiro’s demand comes in the wake of President Museveni’s investigation into the violence and alleged vote rigging that marred the recent Bukedea LC5 by-election. In a letter addressed to Brig Gen Henry Isoke, the head of the State House Anti-corruption unit, President Museveni instructs an investigation into the claims of violence and calls for appropriate action if any criminal acts are found to have been committed.
The president’s letter highlights specific incidents related to the by-election, including allegations that government officials invaded the house of Mr. Omigor, the opposition candidate, the night before his nomination. It is claimed that his academic papers were confiscated, and a substantial amount of money was stolen from him to prevent his nomination. The Electoral Commission had to extend the nomination period after Mr. Omigor appealed. Furthermore, on the day of the election, the candidate was reportedly attacked at the gate of the electoral commission, and government officials allegedly invaded polling stations and cast votes on behalf of voters.
President Museveni’s description of these events in his letter draws a stark comparison to the election violence of 1980, expressing his concern about a potential return to such circumstances.
In response to the president’s letter, NUP’s Mufumbiro, speaking to Busoga Today, refers to President Museveni as the “Chief election violator” and accuses him of setting an example for his party members. Mufumbiro asserts that the president has remained in power through vote rigging and election violence, and others within the party follow suit, seeing him as a role model.
Mufumbiro argues that if the president can be declared and sworn in illegitimately, it sets a precedent for others within the party to do the same at any level of governance. He further claims that President Museveni has disrupted Uganda’s elections, and it is the responsibility of the opposition to condemn such actions and fight against the disregard for the decisions made by Ugandan citizens that go against the Electoral Commission’s mandate.
Mufumbiro concludes by calling on President Museveni to resign and hand over power to the Ugandan people, emphasizing that the president has failed to deliver on the promises that led him to take up arms during the time of the bush war.
The Bukedea LCV by-election took place on June 14 following the passing of former district chairperson Moses Olemukan in December 2022. NRM’s Mary Akol emerged as the winner against her rivals, Lokioki Tychicus Ebukalim and Sam Oita of the FDC, who withdrew from the race on the polling day due to alleged vote rigging and election violence. President Museveni now characterizes these offenses not only as election-related but also as crimes, emphasizing the need for immediate action against the perpetrators.
