Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni has offered what he described as “condolences” to opposition political groups following their performance in the recently concluded elections, arguing that new biometric voter verification (BVV) technology eliminated electoral malpractice that previously benefited his rivals.
In remarks shared on his official platforms, Museveni said the introduction of BVV machines marked a turning point in Uganda’s electoral process, claiming the technology closed avenues for cheating. “The death-knell to the opposition were the BVV machines. With the BVV machines, the Opposition’s life-line of cheating was gone,” the President stated.
According to Museveni, the technology strengthened transparency at polling stations by ensuring that only verified voters could cast ballots. He argued that the outcome of the election reflected a more credible process and insisted that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) won fairly under improved electoral safeguards.
However, opposition leaders and several civil society actors have continued to question the credibility of the elections, citing alleged irregularities, arrests of political actors, and concerns over the broader electoral environment. Some have argued that technological reforms alone cannot guarantee free and fair elections without equal political space and strong institutional oversight.
Electoral authorities previously defended the use of BVV machines, saying the system was designed to curb voter fraud, impersonation, and ballot stuffing — longstanding concerns raised in past electoral cycles.
Political analysts say Museveni’s comments highlight the deep divisions that persist over the credibility of the electoral process. While government supporters point to technology-driven reforms as evidence of progress, opposition figures maintain that structural and political challenges still shape electoral outcomes.
The debate over the role of technology in Uganda’s elections is expected to continue, particularly as political parties and observers assess the impact of BVV machines on future polls and the broader democratic process.
