Museveni Blasts Election Cheats
President Museveni has wasted no time in condemning serious election fraud and violence that stained the recently concluded NRM internal polls exercise.
In an assertive statement on Sunday, Museveni revealed and praised 9.22 million NRM members who participated in the primaries, an impressive 50 percent of the party’s total confirmed membership of 18.5 million.
“That turnout on a working weekday is not bad at all,” he said
But the good news was overshadowed by alarming reports of dirty tricks in some areas. “I must condemn, in the strongest terms, what I started hearing from some parts altering results, tampering with voter registers, use of violence which even caused some deaths, and bribing voters with money and materials,” Museveni thundered.
He branded these acts as “politically and ideologically wrong” and called on all true lovers of the NRM and Uganda to reject such behavior.
“Why should our people tolerate those who cheat, use violence, and bribe voters? These people are working against the progress of our great party and nation.” he said
Museveni reminded Ugandans that electing leaders is about choosing those who can “kukyenuura” a Runyankore word meaning to solve the real and solvable problems of the people. Using a witty example, he said: “If my hair is not combed because I lack a comb, that is a problem you can fix. But if you have a bald head like me, that is just how God made you.”
The President warned that the party would not tolerate these “pollutants” to democracy and pledged that the culprits would face the full force of the law.
“The easiest to catch are those who altered results. Voting was done by lining up behind candidates, so every village knows who voted for whom. If you tampered with the results, we are coming for you.”
He also vowed to go after those responsible for violence. “That criminality must have been witnessed by many people, and we shall hold the wrongdoers accountable.” he noted assertively
On the issue of voter registers, Museveni said some villages were bloated with names and promised a thorough investigation to “get to the bottom of it.”
Museveni Blasts Election Cheats
Museveni also addressed incidents involving security forces during the primaries.
“Where soldiers and policemen are involved, you need to answer if it was a mistake or a plan by some desperate people trying to disarm our security.” he noted
Despite these setbacks, Museveni praised the NRM members for largely peaceful voting in many areas and encouraged calm as investigations proceed. “Where problems were encountered, do not be provoked. We shall get the culprits.”
