KAMPALA: In a seemingly fateful election result, Yoweri Museveni has won his fifth term as Ugandan president. While gun-toting police and soldiers dominated the centre of the capital, Opposition leader Kizza Besigye who lost for the fourth time, denounced the results from the confines of his house arrest. Museveni defeated his competitors with 60.8 per cent of the vote, lower than his 68 per cent in 2011.
Social media and mobile-money services were blocked as the electoral process began. A fairly disorganised event, voters who waited since 7 in the morning were calm, yet angry as the ballot papers didn't arrive at many polling stations in Kampala and other districts. Voting was extended to the next day in some areas, when the vote count was already in the works. Supporters of Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change said the result was “stolen”. The Opposition leader was arrested at the party headquarters by police firing tear gas, before he could address the media about the results. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, head of the Commonwealth team of election observers said the vote delays and other problems “seriously detracted from the fairness and credibility of the results.”
Calling foul play, US State Department said, “Delays in the delivery of voting materials, reports of pre-checked ballots and vote buying, ongoing blockage of social media sites, and excessive use of force by the police, collectively undermine the integrity of the electoral process.” The EU observer mission said that the election was undertaken in an “intimidating atmosphere” and that the election commission, appointed by the president, lacked independence and transparency. Besigye urged the international community to challenge the outcome. “Should you ratify the results of these sham elections, at least have the courage to admit that you do not care about democracy or human rights in Africa,” he said. He also called on his supporters to continue protests over his detention.
Not shaken by the criticism he received from the international community, a revelling Museveni said, “I don’t need lectures from anybody. Those Europeans are not serious.” He also warned the Opposition that violent response to the election results would not be taken lightly. “We shall use both soft and hard means to guard the peace in Uganda. By soft means, I mean talking to the youth, who these criminal politicians try to use. But also we can use non-lethal but tough methods to deal with any troublemakers.” He had blocked Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp, prompting retaliation from his rivals who have used social media for campaigning. Unapologetic of his measures, he had justified his ways on ground of national security. “Some people misuse those pathways. You know how they misuse them; telling lies. If you want a right then use it properly,” he said.
Amnesty International condemned his censorship as a “blatant violation of Ugandans' fundamental rights to freedom of expression and to seek and receive information”.
Lord Popat, Prime Minister Cameron’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda said, “Uganda has taken huge strides in recent years under President Museveni’s leadership. There is huge potential for Uganda to grow economically, democratically and socially, and I very much look forward to working with the newly-elected Government in delivering more prosperity to both our nations. Last year Uganda rose from 135 to 122 in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index and is helping to lead the way on regional integration in East Africa. With their focus – and Britain’s expertise – on both the energy and infrastructure markets, we have a real possibility to work together to create a new generation of economic opportunities.
Whenever I see friends who do business in Uganda they are very complimentary about the economic changes happening there, and I want to ensure it is British goods and services that Ugandans are using for decades to come.”
Lord Popat
Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda
“H E President has been leading the country for 30 years and election result has been overwhelming victory by 62% and full and complete endorsement. I believe the election has followed the democratic process to the full. President Museveni has always been trying to woo the Uganda Asian business community back. He has been to Neasden temple followed by two visits to Leicester. To endorse his commitment, he appointed H E Nimisha Ben Madhvani, High Commissioner to India and now to France/Spain. Madhvani family have reinvested to mega level in Uganda followed by Mehta Group, Aga Khan and many more Indian companies. Mumtaz Kassam is the ambassador to Italy. I have been given the task to attract more investment from the Midlands. Uganda is ripe for investment and hope to lead another trade delegation to Uganda. Ugandan motto for God & my country.”
Jaffer Kapasi, OBE
Accountant and Business Advisor , J A Kapasi & Co Limited
“The people of Uganda have voted the government of NRM in power and spoken as seen on the television by the results. Government has done a great job of protecting all the properties of all the Ugandans and no looting has taken place. The future of Ugandan Asians in Uganda is good as the Government recognizes the positive Investors who are mainly Indians and also 60% of all the taxes are contributed by Ugandan Asians.”
Sudhir Ruparelia
Chairman, Ruparelia Group of Companies
