Ugandans head to polls amid rising repression, COVID-19 pandemic

As Uganda gears up for its presidential elections, tensions are rising in the country amid concerns over repression and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming polls will see the incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni facing off against popular musician Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The election campaigns have been marred by arrests of opposition politicians and reports of violence, leading to questions about the fairness of the electoral process. CNBC Africa spoke with the Ugandan government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo, to get insights into the expectations for the polls. Opondo highlighted that the necessary logistical preparations for the elections have been completed, with ballot papers distributed across all 140 districts and polling officials in place. He expressed confidence that the elections would proceed peacefully and that results would be released in a timely manner. While acknowledging the potential for tensions during campaigns, Opondo assured that the government was prepared to address any threats to the election process. The key theme surrounding the Ugandan elections revolves around the challenges of ensuring a free and fair electoral process amidst rising repression and concerns about the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are three key points from the interview with Ofwono Opondo: 1. Opposition Arrests and Violence: Opondo addressed the arrests of opposition candidates like Amuriat and Chagulani, attributing the confrontations to their defiance of regulations and COVID-19 standard operating procedures. He noted that candidates who followed the rules experienced smooth campaigns, while those who defied regulations faced tensions with law enforcement. Opondo highlighted instances of violence during election campaigns, emphasizing the need for candidates to abide by the law to prevent confrontations with authorities. 2. COVID-19 Concerns and Election Timing: Despite criticism over holding elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, Opondo defended the decision, citing examples of other countries that successfully conducted elections during the health crisis. He acknowledged challenges in enforcing COVID-19 protocols but emphasized the importance of candidates adhering to regulations to ensure a safe voting environment. Opondo reiterated the government's commitment to respecting election laws and addressing any incidents of non-compliance. 3. Economic Progress Under Museveni: Opondo defended President Museveni's 36-year tenure, highlighting Uganda's economic growth and social development achievements during his leadership. He refuted claims of increased poverty levels, citing improvements in various indicators since Museveni took office. Opondo emphasized the need to focus on Museveni's experience and policies rather than solely on his longevity in power. The interview with Ofwono Opondo reflected the complex dynamics and challenges surrounding the Ugandan elections, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a transparent electoral process amidst mounting tensions and external criticisms.