President Yoweri Museveni has announced that the government has commenced criminal and electoral investigations into the chaotic Kawempe North by-election where National Unity Platform candidate Luyimbazi Nalukoola was announced the winner by a large margin.
Nalukoola secured 17,764 votes, defeating his closest challenger, NRM's Namabi Faridah Kigongo, who received 8,593 votes.
In a four-page document published online, President Museveni states that the election was marred with irregularities.
“The following allegations have come up: ballot papers stuffing, altering results, destroying ballot boxes in Kazo-Angola, Mbogo Mosque zone, etc., because, apparently, some People did not want those votes to be counted, campaigning at the Polling Stations, intimidation, violence, etc,” part of the document reads.
He explained that the heavy deployment on the polling day helped to avoid mass violence but was insufficient to prevent micro crimes that election officials could have handled. He argued that some elements were intimidating National Resistance Movement supporters.
“Those who intimidate NRM supporters must stop and apologise to those they intimidate. Those of the language:” Yemwe abatusibyeko NRM”, must stop. Respect the Ugandans’ choices,” he said.
On the assault on journalists, Museveni briefly stated the matter is being studied describing the incidents as “mistakes’ and further explained the critical role the UPDF has played in maintaining peace in Uganda and in the region in the recent past.
He also noted the NRM is addressing its mistakes in the constituency.
NRM has since announced that they will challenge the election results in court.