Kampala Uganda – The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called for objectivity in dealing with election disputes, citing concerns over President Yoweri Museveni’s recent claims that the National Unity Party (NUP) stole 1 million votes in the 2021 presidential election.
Museveni made the remarks during the 2024 Kampala Defence and Security Expo at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel on 12th September 2024 while celebrating the life of late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.
According to UPC spokesperson, Sharon Oyat Arach, “The President’s allegations have far-reaching implications and require thorough investigation. We should avoid making unsubstantiated claims that may undermine the integrity of our electoral process.”
“This is not a good statement to make by the President at this material time when the 2025/2026 general polls are just in the corner! If there is any election dispute, let the evidence be tabled to the right authorities and allow the law to take its course.” she added
She additionally said “It may even require a comprehensive commission of inquiry into the previous elections of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and of course 2021.”
Arach believes that the opposition political parties in Uganda have got no capacity and audacity to carry out such malpractices in elections which are always highly militarized. “By the President alleging that an opposition Party like NUP stole 1 million votes, has far wider implications which we shouldn’t be insinuating at this sensitive hour.” Arach emphasized
The President further alleged that even the 1961 and 1962 elections were equally cheated by the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and Kabaka Yeka (KY).
Responding to the above claim, Arach highlighted that during the 1994 constituent Elections under the National Resistance Army, 1 ballot box and 1 ballot paper were introduced to bridge the vote rigging gaps.
“we must bring it to the attention of the general public that our previous elections of 1958,1961,1962 and 1980 are more credible than any other subsequent elections organised by National Resistance Movement (NRM) led government. This has been proved by our courts of law.” Arach outlined
She further expressed concern over the involvement of retired army officers in election security, advocating for demilitarization of the electoral process. “We believe that security agencies should play a clearly defined role in maintaining law and order, without influencing the outcome of elections,” Oyat Arach noted.
In light of the upcoming 2025/2026 general elections, UPC reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and free and fair elections. As Oyat Arach emphasized, “as UPC, we want to reiterate our position that we shall continue to use the available platforms in a bid to improve on the democratic space as we build the country that can accommodate all of us.” She said
