The Government of Uganda has responded to the US threats to sanction a number of high-profile Uganda officials, saying that America cannot lecture Uganda on elections.
Government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo, yesterday said that if there are any concerns about the Ugandan electoral process, the US government should raise them in writing.
Ofwono added that the US should first fix their loopholes that marred their recent electoral process before making any attempt to rectify mistakes in a far-off country.
“We haven’t officially received any valid concern in writing by the US government regarding our recent elections. When they do so, Uganda government will respond appropriately and effectively. Otherwise, for now, it is only rumors. In the meantime, the US government better fixes its own elections where according to President Donald Trump even the dead voted and Joe Biden is in office through fraud and so they should be the last to give lectures,” Ofwono said.
Commenting on threats to sanction top government officials, Ofwono said, the US government should provide proof of the allegations—rather than acting on hearsay.
“On sanctions especially against government officials is hollow because again they have not provided any specific individuals or offences and so it is hearsay and burden is with those making allegations to prove their case before a competent authority. Besides, Uganda too has both internal and external interests to promote and defend,” he said.
It should be remembered that on Wednesday 24th February, the spokesperson of the US Department of State, Ned Price, said that America will consider targeting anyone who got involved in alleged irregularities that underpinned the January 14 general elections.
“Uganda’s January 14 elections were marred by election irregularities and abuses by the government’s security services against opposition candidates and members of the civil society. We will consider a range of targeted options to hold accountable for what we saw in relation to Uganda elections,” Price said, during a press conference at the US State Department, calling for an independent probe of all election-related abuses in Uganda.
Weighing in on the Ugandan electoral process, Price said: “Well, I believe we said this before, but it probably bears reiterating that Uganda’s January 14th elections were marred by election irregularities and abuses by the government’s security services against opposition candidates and members of civil society. We strongly urge independent, credible, impartial, and thorough investigations into these incidents. We’ll consider a range of targeted options to hold accountable those members of the security forces responsible for these actions.”