Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC), whose chairperson is Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has reacted to reports that it secretly held meetings with the Kamwokya-based faction of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Recently, a faction of NUP allied to party founder Moses Kibalama Nkonge opened a parallel office in Kabowa, Rubaga Division, and declared that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine had been ousted as the main opposition party president.
But the EC rejected the new list of leaders chosen by Kibalama’s faction and declared the delegates conference that removed Bobi Wine as having been irregularly and illegally been held.
But Kibalama’s camp shot back by claiming that the Kamwokya-based NUP faction’s leaders had met EC officials before the commission trashed the ouster of Kyagulanyi.
Secretary for information at the Rubaga faction Gideon Tugume recently alleged that before the EC punched holes in a letter the group had written informing the commission of the new changes in NUP, a night meeting had happened and was attended by officials of the elections body as well as those from Kamwokya.
“What did they discuss at night? We know the things that happened before that letter was released,” Tugume said during a local television show.
“The good thing cameras are installed at EC, we challenge them to retrieve the footage captured on Tuesday night to dispel rumours that Rubongoya was not at their offices.”
But the EC has dismissed Tugume’s allegations, labelling them fake. “Disregard this false information being circulated. Treat it with absolute contempt,” Byabakama’s Commission told Ugandans.
This is not the first time Bobi Wine’s NUP is being accused of having links with President Yoweri Museveni’s government and state institutions.
Ex-Museveni Spy: Bobi Wine Works for Museveni
‘Bobi Wine’s NUP is a Museveni Shadow State Project’ – Mao Continues Shaking Kyagulanyi’s Tables
‘I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE: Bobi Wine Refuses to Hand Over NUP Presidency Despite Kibalama Firing Him’