Bobi Wine and his International Lawyer, Robert Amsterdam. Courtesy/File photo.
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Last Updated on: 8th February 2021, 09:11 pm
This act further demonstrates Hon. Kyagulanyi’s good intentions to uphold democratic principles; rule of law, freedom of the press, freedom of association and public debate, as well as free and fair election processes, Mr Kharim Ntambi, NUP diaspora spokesperson.
Kampala – 8, February 2021: Ugandans in the diaspora (U.S.A) have often shown their support to the outgoing Kyandondo East MP, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine. The legislator in 2017 declared he would run for the presidency against incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (in power since 1986) and others.
His declaration for presidency attracted support and mixed reactions from Ugandans at home and those outside (diaspora) including foreign countries.
Support for Bobi Wine grew wildly for several times he got arrested by security forces; ‘global’ demonstrations after his arrest and condemnation against government actions become notable.
After January 14, 2021, presidential and parliamentary elections, on Saturday 16 January, the electoral commission (EC) chairman Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi declared NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni as president-elect with 58.6%.
He also announced that the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine got 34.8%. Bobi Wine and his party, including supporters, have rejected the election results announced by the EC chairman.
Mr Museveni, speaking from his rural home in Rwakitura on Saturday 16, 2021 few hours after being declared the winner of the disputed elections, thanked Ugandans for voting him and his NRM party.
“On February 1, 2021, Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert (aka Bobi Wine) filed a petition in the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uganda. As the leading presidential challenger, he is contesting the results of January 14, 2021, presidential elections and the subsequent declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC), of candidate Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta as the winner of this election,” Mr Kharim Ntambi, NUP diaspora spokesperson based in Washington DC, said in a statement on Monday.
“The election was marred with extreme human rights violations which included: kidnappings, torture, detention of campaign staff, shootings, murders, and were also characterized by physical harm to a journalist, press censorship, voter intimidation, mass rigging, ballot stuffing, among other ills. In essence, the electoral process was high jacked and controlled by the current regime and the armed forces,” he added.
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“The Ugandan diaspora is in support of the filed petition to seek redress of the multitude of election offences through the established legal framework. This act further demonstrates Hon. Kyagulanyi’s good intentions to uphold democratic principles; rule of law, freedom of the press, freedom of association and public debate, as well as free and fair election processes. Overall, this reaffirms the core of his candidature and commitment to a peaceful transfer of power to the civilian rule, which has eluded Uganda since independence in 1962,” NUP further says.
Mr Kharim categorically said in their statement dated 8, February 2021 that “the Uganda diaspora fully supports nullification of the election of Yoweri Museveni and for a fresh election to be conducted in accordance with the law,” adding that “we humbly request our partners to support and advocate for this position.”
In addition, we (NUP) foresee both the court proceedings and anticipated election to encompass the following:
- A high level of transparency
- Independent court hearing done expeditiously and as provided for by the constitution
- Banning Yoweri Museveni from standing as a candidate in this and any future elections
- An independent and functioning EC with authority to impartially enforce its laws and policies and not be subject to presidential meddling.
- Voting and tallying process to be widely known and publicly exercised with auditable records
- Independent domestic and international observers
- Equal access to the press and media houses
- Uninterrupted access to the internet and social media
- Unencumbered movement across the country by the public, candidates, and members of civil society
- A permanent injunction on Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Intelligence Services, political operatives, and public officials not authorized by law, from using their positions to influence the election
- Election concluded within a short time and as provided for by the constitution
“We implore you to support us in exercising the constitutional rights in reclaiming the will of the people and restoring democracy for a new Uganda,” their statement/demands end.
TND News has since gotten info from some Ugandans in the diaspora (U.S.A) that they left the Pearl of Africa because of bad working condition and governance.
For most of them, they rely on the Uganda North America Association (UNAA) for many interventions.
“There are those born here but the rest of us are economic immigrants, refugees fleeing from the oppressive conditions which are a result of our life long political upheavals. Now the UNAA that has constituted itself to be the largest and the longest organization that represents us in America surely is trapped,” Mr James William Mugeni, UNAA rep., Central Plains told this publication on Monday.
“As we speak now, only NUP is the umbrella bidding system since we represent the majority of Ugandans looking for a voice. No refugee is here out of comfort,” he added.
He says those who are sponsored by the government of Uganda to be here (U.S.A) cannot defend the government of Uganda, let alone the Embassy that is now overwhelmed by us fighting for freedom.
