VIDEO: Ugandan Electoral Officials Caught Pre-Ticking Ballots
Ugandan opposition figure and musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that ballot papers were pre-ticked in favour of President Yoweri Museveni at a secret polling station in western Uganda. The claim follows the circulation of a video showing individuals seated at a polling station with ballot papers, marking them before voting began. The footage has been shared online amid ongoing debate over the conduct of the election. The incident comes amid broader reports of irregularities and unrest during the election period, including arrests and abductions of opposition agents, and the deployment of security forces in several areas. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, was later declared the winner of the election. Bobi Wine described what the video shows, saying, “Video showing Electoral Commission officials ticking all ballot papers in favor of Museveni at a polling station in western Uganda.” He added that the footage reflected his view of the election process, stating, “This is what Museveni and his criminal system call an election!” He also said the opposition had campaigned and voted, but faced obstruction, explaining, “We campaigned. We voted. “We tried to protect our vote but the criminals arrested or abducted many of our agents and officials.” He said the only way forward was for citizens to take action. “The only recourse is for the people of Uganda to reclaim their voice,” he said. Bobi Wine said this was why the opposition termed the process a protest, adding, “That is why we called this a protest vote.” He urged the public to continue documenting alleged irregularities, saying “Please keep those videos coming in – and all other evidence of the theft that took place on the 15th.” In the video, Naija News House observed that persons seen sitting in their numbers with ballot papers were ticking ahead of the election.
