President Museveni’s Claims of Rigged Votes in the 2021 Elections: A Deeper Look into Uganda’s Electoral History

During a memorial event for the late Major General Aronda Nyakairima, President Yoweri Museveni made a startling allegation: the opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), “rigged one million votes” in the 2021 elections. This claim not only surprised many but also called into question the integrity of the electoral process—an institution that has been in the hands since its constitution after the promulgation of the 1995 Uganda’s constitution  Museveni’s government has been in control of the country’s affairs since his ascension to power in 1986. When examined in detail, Museveni’s statement raises critical issues about his own government’s role in Uganda’s electoral system and his history of manipulating the political landscape to his advantage.

Museveni and the NRM’s Control Over Elections

The irony of Museveni accusing the opposition of rigging votes lies in the fact that it is his government that organizes elections in Uganda. Since 1996, Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) has consistently held power through elections that have been marred by accusations of rigging, voter intimidation, and manipulation of electoral bodies. Central to these allegations is Uganda’s Electoral Commission, which, though purportedly independent, is appointed by the president himself. This structural flaw is one of the many factors that have allowed Museveni to maintain a tight grip on power, manipulating elections to guarantee his victory.

Museveni’s assertion that NUP rigged votes and his suggestion that the opposition should “take him to court” also reveals a deeper issue: the president’s blatant disregard for electoral reforms. After the 2001 elections, the Ugandan courts ruled that the electoral system needed reforms, particularly to establish true independence for the Electoral Commission. However, Museveni has steadfastly refused to implement these reforms, a decision that ensures his continued control over the electoral process. By maintaining a system where the president appoints key electoral officials, Museveni has effectively positioned himself as both a participant and an arbiter in Uganda’s elections.

Museveni’s 2021 Statement in Kayunga: The NRM Decides the Winner

Museveni’s grip on the electoral process was further demonstrated during the Kayunga LC 5 by-elections in December 2021. During the campaign, Museveni made a telling statement: “Even if you dance 24 hours for your candidate, it is the NRM which decides the winner.” This brazen admission of the NRM’s influence over election outcomes underlined the reality of Uganda’s political system—where electoral results are often pre-determined in favor of the ruling party.

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The Kayunga by-election came just months after the 2021 presidential elections, in which the NRM faced unprecedented resistance, particularly in the Buganda and Busoga regions. Despite strong local support for NUP candidate Harriet Nakwedde, the Electoral Commission declared NRM candidate Andrew Muwonge as the winner—a result that many opposition supporters and independent observers viewed as fraudulent. Museveni’s statement during this period confirmed what many had long suspected: the ruling party, not the people, decides the outcome of elections in Uganda.

Electoral Manipulation: A Long History

Museveni’s accusations against NUP are further undermined by the long history of election rigging under his own regime. In 2006, former government General David Sejusa openly admitted that the election results were altered to deny opposition candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye a win. This revelation highlighted the extent to which the ruling party was willing to manipulate results to maintain its hold on power. Sejusa’s confession is one of many that have cast doubt on the credibility of elections held under Museveni’s government.

In the 2016 elections, reports emerged that a house in Naguru, guarded by the military, was being used to falsify election results in favor of Museveni. During this election, Besigye was once again a victim of state interference. He was arrested and placed under house arrest while election results were being announced. His arrest, coupled with the reported manipulation of vote counts, painted a clear picture of the lengths to which the government would go to secure an NRM victory.

The Ulterior Motive Behind Museveni’s Accusations

Museveni’s recent claims about NUP rigging votes can be seen as part of a broader strategy to delegitimize the opposition while deflecting attention from the deeply flawed electoral system under his control. By accusing NUP of rigging, Museveni shifts the narrative away from the well-documented irregularities orchestrated by his government and seeks to portray himself as a victim of electoral fraud—a tactic that plays into his image as a leader under siege by external forces.

Furthermore, Museveni’s refusal to institute electoral reforms, despite court orders and public outcry, reflects his desire to maintain the status quo. The power to appoint members of the Electoral Commission has been one of his key tools in securing victories over the years. Any meaningful reform would threaten his ability to manipulate election outcomes, which is why he has resisted calls for change.

Museveni’s actions can be viewed through the lens of narcissism and obscurantism. His continued dominance over Uganda’s political landscape, despite growing dissatisfaction among the populace, reveals a leader who views himself as irreplaceable. His obsession with controlling the narrative around elections, combined with his refusal to allow genuine political competition, points to a leader more concerned with self-preservation than the democratic process.

Conclusion

President Museveni’s claim that NUP rigged the 2021 elections is not only ironic but also serves as a reminder of the deeply flawed electoral system over which he presides. For decades, his government has manipulated Uganda’s elections, using the Electoral Commission as a tool to maintain power. His refusal to implement electoral reforms, despite court orders, further highlights his determination to hold onto power at all costs. Museveni’s accusations against the opposition are ultimately a distraction from the real issue: the NRM’s long history of rigging elections and suppressing democratic processes.