The head of Uganda's electoral body says he has received threats warning him against declaring certain presidential candidates the winners of Thursday's election. Simon Byabakama stated that he would not be intimidated by such threats, particularly from senior state officials, whom he did not name. He responded to concerns regarding a video where a presidential assistant indicated that the electoral commission would never declare opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, as president, even if he were to win. 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, said Byabakama.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades and is seeking a seventh term in office, while 43-year-old Bobi Wine is his main challenger after previously finishing runner-up in the 2021 polls. Six other candidates are also competing, with approximately 21.6 million registered voters.
The election campaign has faced disruptions and reported violence against opposition activities, including police crackdowns on rallies. Byabakama emphasized that threats would not deter him, saying, You can see from my demeanor that fear is a word that does not exist in my vocabulary. He reiterated that the outcome would follow the law, declaring results within 48 hours post-polling. The recent heavy military presence and an internet shutdown have raised concerns about voter intimidation during this critical time.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades and is seeking a seventh term in office, while 43-year-old Bobi Wine is his main challenger after previously finishing runner-up in the 2021 polls. Six other candidates are also competing, with approximately 21.6 million registered voters.
The election campaign has faced disruptions and reported violence against opposition activities, including police crackdowns on rallies. Byabakama emphasized that threats would not deter him, saying, You can see from my demeanor that fear is a word that does not exist in my vocabulary. He reiterated that the outcome would follow the law, declaring results within 48 hours post-polling. The recent heavy military presence and an internet shutdown have raised concerns about voter intimidation during this critical time.
