Uganda’s long-time President Yoweri Museveni attends an election rally at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala, Uganda. Deadly violence and repressive measures have alarmed observers as Uganda prepares to vote on Jan. 14, 2021, with longtime President Yoweri Museveni challenged by young singer and lawmaker Bobi Wine, who has captured the imagination of many across Africa in a generational clash (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
By RODNEY MUHUMUZA
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — The United States ambassador to Uganda said Wednesday the embassy has canceled plans to observe the country’s tense presidential election on Thursday, citing a decision by electoral authorities to deny accreditation to most members of the observation team.
Ambassador Natalie E. Brown expressed “profound disappointment” in a statement saying more than 75% of the accreditations requested had been denied. “With only 15 accreditations approved, it is not possible for the United States to meaningfully observe the conduct of Uganda’s elections at polling sites across the country,” the statement said. “As we have stated previously, the United States takes no side in Uganda’s upcoming elections. We support a free, fair, peaceful, and inclusive electoral process.”
Without “the robust participation of observers,” the statement added, “Uganda’s elections will lack the accountability, transparency and confidence that observer missions provide.” An electoral commission spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
The U.S. embassy statement came the morning after longtime Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni spoke harshly against development partners, Facebook and unnamed outside groups he accused of “arrogance. Uganda’s government has repeatedly alleged that foreigners are working in support of the opposition. Museveni’s main challenger, the singer and lawmaker known as Bobi Wine, has been accused of being “an agent of foreign interests,” which he denies.
Museveni announced that his government had shut down access to social media and blasted Facebook after the social network removed Ugandan accounts linked to his reelection campaign. That social channel you are talking about, if it is going to operate in Uganda, it should be used equitably by everybody who wants to use it,” Museveni said of Facebook. “If you want to take sides against the (ruling party), then that group will not operate in Uganda.”
Facebook said this week it had removed some Ugandan accounts because they engaged in alleged coordinated inauthentic behavior. The allegations of outside interference have contributed to a charged atmosphere, with Museveni deploying the military in the streets of urban centers where authorities fear the opposition is planning riots that could overwhelm the regime.
Source: Associated Press