National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called on President Yoweri Museveni to present evidence supporting claims that NUP engaged in vote-rigging during Uganda’s 2021 general elections.
Museveni recently alleged that he had proof showing the opposition party tampered with the election, stating, “I have the facts. NUP can take me to court and say Museveni has falsely accused them, but this is what happened. I have now got all the evidence that NUP cheated by 1 million votes.” The president made the remarks during the Defence and Security Expo last week.
In response, Kyagulanyi issued a statement on September 15, challenging Museveni to back up his claims with credible evidence.
“Thankfully, you have now challenged us to a day in court to disprove your wild allegations. We accept the challenge. This is to request, therefore, that you waive your immunity in writing so that we meet in court,” Kyagulanyi said.
The opposition leader also called for an independent audit of the 2021 electoral process, preferably conducted by a reputable international body like the United Nations, to ensure transparency.
“We are ready to submit our evidence to prove the amount of rigging which you engaged in, as well as the other crimes you committed against us and our people,” he added.
Kyagulanyi further stated that if the audit proves NUP was involved in election fraud, the party should face prosecution.
However, he also demanded that Museveni commit to stepping down if the audit confirms that the ruling party manipulated the election results.
“If on the other hand, the audit proves, as we know, that you robbed us of our victory and usurped the will of the people of Uganda, you must undertake to step down and allow the people of Uganda to be led by a government of their choosing.”
The Electoral Commission announced in January 2021 that Museveni won the presidential election with 58.64% of the vote, while Bobi Wine garnered 34.83%.
