Robert Kyagulanyi, President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), criticized President Museveni’s decision to re-appoint Justice Simon Byabakama as the electoral commission chairman for another 7-year term.
Kyagulanyi asserted that this move is evidence of Museveni’s lack of intention to conduct free and fair elections in Uganda.
On his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Kyagulanyi stated, “Museveni no longer wants to pretend, appointing renowned NRM cadres to the Electoral Commission, sending a clear message that he has no intention of holding a free and fair election,”
Highlighting Byabakama’s role in the 2021 presidential election and past cases, Kyagulanyi expressed concern over the chairman’s impartiality and he also raised objections to other committee members, alleging their affiliation with Museveni’s party.
“For example, Anthony Okello is a cadre of NRM which he represented as MP for Kioga County. Okello survived lynching in 2017 when he attempted to force his constituents to agree to the removal of the constitutional presidential age limit,” Kyagulanyi explained.
“Kasule Robert Sebunya is another NRM cadre and the immediate former MP for Nansana Municipality on the NRM ticket. It is widely believed he usurped that victory and also a one Stephen Tashobya is a senior cadre of NRM which he represented as MP for Kajara County,” he added.
President Museveni’s re-appointment of Byabakama was carried out under Article 60 (1) of the 1995 constitution.
Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to recognize the situation and take action to redeem their nation from what he described as an absolute mess.
“If this is not enough provocation to the people of Uganda, I don’t know what ever will be,” he articulated.
As the appointees face vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Hon. Anita Among, Kyagulanyi emphasized the need for collective awareness and action to address the challenges facing Uganda’s electoral process.