The head of Uganda's electoral body says he has received threats warning him against declaring certain presidential candidates the winners of Thursday's election.
Simon Byabakama said he would not be intimidated by such threats from senior state officials, whom he did not name.
He was responding to a BBC question regarding a widely shared video of a presidential assistant stating the electoral commission would never declare opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) as president, even if he were to win.
Byabakama addressed the issue stating, Some people say if you don't declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, is running for a seventh term in office. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, seeks to unseat him after finishing runner-up in the 2021 elections.
Six other candidates are also competing, with approximately 21.6 million voters registered.
Byabakama mentioned that the electoral process has been marked by disruptions and violence, including the detention of activists and police breaking up rallies, yet he remained resolute.
The electoral chief asserted that only the voters' will and the law will guide the announcement of the election results, which he promised to declare within 48 hours after polls close.
He also addressed security issues, emphasizing that the military presence aimed to ensure peace and stability, and promised to investigate concerns regarding polling stations near military premises.
In response to suspicions of repression, the Ugandan authorities recently cut off internet access nationwide to mitigate misinformation and ensure electoral integrity, further escalating concerns surrounding the upcoming vote.
