Bobi Wine 'forgives Museveni' over vote-rigging remarks

President Museveni, speaking at the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima memorial service on Thursday, accused NUP of cheating in the 2021 elections by one million votes.

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has said he has forgiven President Yoweri Museveni for his recent claims that the opposition party rigged the 2021 general elections.

Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, made these remarks during a Sabbath service at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Najjanankumbi.

President Museveni, speaking at the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima memorial service on Thursday, accused NUP of cheating in the 2021 elections by one million votes.

"I have evidence that NUP cheated by one million votes in the 2021 elections," Museveni declared.

He further challenged NUP to take him to court if they believed he was making false accusations, stating, "I have all the facts. NUP can take me to court and say Museveni is falsely accusing them."

The president’s remarks surprised many in the political sphere. NUP has consistently accused President Museveni of rigging the election, asserting that they were the rightful winners of the 2021 polls.

In response, Kyagulanyi expressed both disappointment and forgiveness toward the president.

“Jesus says forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. I have, for that reason, forgiven him (Museveni),” Kyagulanyi said shortly after prayers.

Kyagulanyi, who finished second in the 2021 presidential race with 36% of the vote, while President Museveni was declared the winner with 65%, spoke against a backdrop of controversy.

The election was marred by reports of violence, intimidation, and allegations of electoral fraud from both the opposition and international observers.

Speaking to the media, Kyagulanyi reflected on the Christian principle of forgiveness, acknowledging that while it is a moral imperative, it is often difficult.

“When we come to pray, the men of God tell us to forgive, which is right, but it’s not easy—especially when you are hurting, and yet those who hurt you are still out there,” he said.

Kyagulanyi's stance of forgiveness comes at a time of continued political tension in Uganda.

His NUP party, which emerged as the main opposition force in the 2021 elections, has repeatedly faced repression, including the arrests of key party leaders and supporters.

Despite these challenges, Kyagulanyi has consistently called for nonviolent means of political change.