Museveni warns against electoral fraud in NRM Primaries as Bobi Wine responds with sharp criticism
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a strongly-worded public statement, has condemned alleged cases of electoral malpractice during the recently concluded NRM party primaries held on July 17, 2025. The primaries saw participation from over 9.22 million registered party members across the country, which the president hailed as a “massive democratic process.”
In his address, Museveni expressed both appreciation and concern praising the party faithful who turned up to vote, while calling out what he referred to as “self-seeking actors” attempting to “pollute” the democratic exercise. He cited incidents of violence, bribery, tampering with registers, and results alteration, especially during the tallying phase.
“This is a heritage of martyrs and heroes, not self-seekers… We are going to prosecute these mistake-makers,” Museveni stated, warning of legal consequences for those involved in altering results or causing violence.
“Eight individuals have already been arrested from Mayuge, Buyende, Kapchorwa, Pader, Oyam, Rwampara, Kareenga, and Mbarara.”
He further emphasized the role of elected leaders in delivering on government programs that address citizens’ problems; a concept he referred to using the Runyankole word “omukyeno”, meaning a solvable challenge. He called for leaders who are committed to “kukyenuura” solving these problems rather than sowing discord through dishonesty and violence.
Electoral integrity committee and party cleansing
The president revealed that a special legal committee made up of senior lawyers has been constituted to handle petitions and complaints arising from the primaries. He appealed to party members to submit evidence of electoral misconduct, promising a full investigation.
Despite the issues, Museveni maintained that the NRM primaries were largely successful in many areas and reiterated his commitment to defending the integrity of the party.
Bobi Wine fires back: “The serpent is eating them now”
Meanwhile, National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, responded to Museveni’s statement with a fierce critique. Taking to his social media platforms, Bobi Wine accused the ruling party of hypocrisy.
“So many NRM politicians are crying foul over electoral fraud. Yet these are the same individuals who dismissed our demands for electoral reforms,” Bobi Wine wrote.
He referenced past events, including the 2021 general election, the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill, and by-elections in Oyam, Omoro, Kisoro, Soroti, Serere, and Kayunga, where the opposition alleged widespread irregularities.
“They bred and raised the very serpent which is eating them up now. The same impunity they defended is now catching up with them.”
Bobi Wine called on all patriotic Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation or region, to unite and demand electoral integrity.
What lies ahead?
As investigations into the NRM primaries continue and prosecutions are prepared, observers across Uganda are watching closely to see whether this marks a turning point in the country’s pursuit of transparent, free, and fair elections.
