Uganda’s Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama has said he will not be intimidated by threats or warnings linked to the outcome of the country’s presidential election held on Thursday. He said the commission would follow the law and the will of voters in declaring the final results.
Byabakama made the remarks amid heightened political tension surrounding the vote, which has drawn intense scrutiny from the ruling party, opposition figures, and the wider public. He said the commission’s mandate is clearly defined by the constitution and electoral laws, and that no individual or group would influence that process.
According to Byabakama, the commission remains committed to conducting the election in a transparent and lawful manner. He emphasized that electoral officials are guided by legal procedures rather than political pressure or public speculation.
His comments followed the circulation of a widely shared video on social media involving a presidential aide. In the video, the aide claims that the Electoral Commission would never declare opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as president even if he were to win the election.
The video sparked public debate and criticism, particularly among opposition supporters, who viewed the remarks as evidence of bias within the electoral process. Some analysts and civil society figures said the comments risked undermining public confidence in the independence of the Electoral Commission.
Byabakama distanced the commission from the statements made in the video. He said the views expressed by individuals outside the commission do not reflect the position or actions of the electoral body.
He stressed that election results would be announced strictly in line with the law. Under Uganda’s electoral framework, the Electoral Commission is required to declare presidential results within 48 hours after the close of polling.
Byabakama confirmed that this timeline would be respected. He said the commission was compiling and verifying results from across the country before making any official announcement.
Uganda’s presidential election has been closely contested, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his long rule and facing a strong challenge from Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician. Bobi Wine has emerged as a prominent opposition figure, particularly among young voters.
The election period has been marked by heavy security deployment and restrictions on opposition activities. Authorities have said the measures are necessary to maintain law and order, while critics argue they limit political freedoms.
Observers have also raised concerns about the electoral environment, including access to media, arrests of opposition supporters, and disruptions to communication. The government has defended its actions, saying they are lawful and intended to ensure stability.
Byabakama said the commission is aware of the high level of public interest and anxiety surrounding the results. He urged Ugandans to remain calm and patient as the counting and verification process continues.
He added that the Electoral Commission operates independently and that its officials are protected by law in the execution of their duties. He warned that attempts to intimidate electoral officials undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.
The commission has previously faced criticism from opposition parties in past elections, with allegations of irregularities and lack of transparency. Byabakama has consistently rejected those claims, maintaining that the commission conducts elections in accordance with the law.
As the country awaits the official announcement of results, political leaders and citizens alike are watching closely. The coming days are expected to be critical for Uganda’s political future, with the Electoral Commission’s actions likely to shape public trust in the electoral process.
Byabakama reiterated that the final outcome would reflect the votes cast by Ugandans. He said the commission’s responsibility is to announce results that are accurate, lawful, and credible, regardless of political pressure or external commentary.
