Commissioner at the Office of the President Fred Bamwine has said household economic conditions and last-minute voter decisions are likely to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the January 15 general presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking during Next Big Talk hosted by Canary Mugume on Next Radio on Thursday, Bamwine drew on his security background to criticise what he described as a casual approach to politics by some leaders.
“I come from a security background, and one of the things I dislike about politicians in this country is that they treat politics as business as usual. They do not consider the consequences of choosing a good or a bad leader,” Bamwine said.
He argued that economic realities facing ordinary citizens would heavily influence voter behaviour, saying household income would be a key determinant in how people cast their ballots.
“One major factor that is going to determine the upcoming election is household income — how much money people have in their pockets,” he said.
Bamwine also warned that voter preferences may remain fluid until the final moments of the election, including on polling day itself.
“I think these last days are very critical to the election, and even on voting day, people may change their minds while in the queue about who they will vote for,” he said.
In a controversial remark, Bamwine suggested that the actions and messaging of opposition groups may be inadvertently strengthening support for President Museveni.
“The biggest campaigners for Yoweri Museveni are the opposition,” he said.
His remarks come as political parties and candidates conclude nationwide campaigns ahead of the polls, with many racing to win over undecided voters amid economic pressures and heightened public debate over leadership and governance.
The January 15 elections are expected to be closely watched, with analysts pointing to economic conditions, voter turnout and late shifts in public opinion as key factors likely to influence the final outcome.
