A heated exchange unfolded during last week’s meeting between Parliament’s Legal Committee and the Electoral Commission (EC) when Erute South MP, Hon. Jonathan Odur, pressed EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama to address allegations made by President Yoweri Museveni regarding the 2021 general elections.
President Museveni, in September 2024, accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) of “rigging” the elections by inflating their votes by one million. Hon. Odur sought clarification on whether the EC had investigated these claims, given their implications on the integrity of the elections.
“There is one statement that came from the head of state, the President, and his allegation was that one million votes which either belonged to him, or his party, were irregularly awarded or withheld, and I thought that was a big indictment,” said Hon. Odur. He added, “And he challenged, saying, if the EC wants evidence…”
Hon. Odur further probed:
“I don’t know whether the Commission picked interest in that matter because, as you know, the head of state, apart from being a candidate, even if it was made by another candidate who lost the elections, it would have been a big issue on the integrity of the elections. Would you address us briefly on that issue?”
Simon Byabakama, who had confidently addressed the committee’s questions throughout the session, appeared caught off guard by the query. His hesitation prompted the Legal Committee Chairperson, Stephen Baka, to conclude the meeting abruptly, instructing the EC boss to provide written responses to pending questions, including Odur’s concerns.
The meeting’s tense conclusion highlighted lingering questions about the 2021 general elections and the EC’s stance on allegations that could impact public confidence in Uganda’s electoral process.
