Uganda Election Concerns: Ruling Party Targets Independents
Uganda’s Primaries: Autonomous Candidates Fear Post-Election Retaliation Amidst Weakened Oversight
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Kampala, Uganda – As Uganda gears up for its upcoming elections, a shadow of apprehension looms over independent candidates, notably concerning the aftermath of party primaries. Muhammad Lusswa Luwemba, president of the Independent Minds Association, voices notable worries about potential retribution for those who choose to run outside the established party structures.
The Specter of Party Retaliation
Luwemba highlights a concerning ancient pattern where major political parties in Uganda have allegedly retaliated against members who dare to run as independents. He states that this has been a personal experience and a shared reality for many within his association.
“In the past, the country’s main parties have had a history of punishing those who jump ship to run independently,” Luwemba explained. “It has happened to him and other members of the association.”
His concerns are rooted in recent events. In March of this year, Luwemba himself contested the Kawempe North byelections as an independent.He alleges that his campaign faced severe disruptions, with his supporters reportedly being harassed and physically assaulted by individuals he claims were supporters of his former party, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). Luwemba fears that a similar fate awaits those who defy the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s internal agreements.
Weakened Watchdogs Amplify Risks
These anxieties are amplified by the recent cessation of support from the United States Agency for International Advancement (USAID). USAID had been a crucial partner in funding voter education and election monitoring programs in Uganda.
Francis opio, head of governance and policy advocacy at the Kabarole Research and Resource Center, a local non-governmental organization that previously conducted election monitoring, echoes these concerns. He notes that the withdrawal of USAID funding has considerably weakened the oversight mechanisms that helped ensure a fairer electoral process.
“With these checks weakened, the risks are higher,” Opio stated. He believes that the current political climate, coupled with reduced external monitoring, risks turning independent candidates and their supporters into targets for intimidation and attacks. “There’s no tolerance,” he warned. “[It] will create issues.”
The success of the ruling NRM’s strategy, which reportedly requires candidates to confirm they genuinely lost their primaries before stepping down, hinges on a degree of trust and transparency. Rachel Frances Adyango, an NRM member and a two-time contender for the woman member of Parliament for Soroti city, acknowledges this delicate balance.”If I confirm that voters didn’t vote me and I didn’t win, I will step down,” Adyango said. Though, she also pointed out a critical caveat: “But if there’s evidence that the primaries were rigged, she says it will be difficult for members to respect the requirement.” This suggests that any perceived unfairness in the primary process could undermine the party’s intended outcome and potentially fuel the very dissent it aims to control.Despite these widespread concerns, Barata, the NRM’s director of legal affairs, expressed optimism about the upcoming electoral process.”We are confident that we shall have a much fairer election this time around,” he asserted, suggesting that the party is committed to ensuring a more transparent and equitable primary system. However, for independent candidates and their supporters, the lingering fear of post-election repercussions remains a significant and pressing issue.