Minister Balaam Barugahara has broken his silence on the ongoing national debate surrounding election results and allegations of vote rigging. In a bold statement, the minister claimed that it is not the ruling party that steals votes, but rather the opposition that allegedly takes votes meant for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
According to Balaam Barugahara, President Museveni continues to enjoy massive support across the country. He argued that the president’s long history in leadership and development record still resonates strongly with many Ugandans, especially in rural areas.
The minister stated that the narrative often pushed by opposition figures does not reflect the reality on the ground. He claimed that many votes cast in favor of President Museveni are either misrepresented or redirected during the tallying process.
Balaam argued that the opposition has perfected the art of propaganda. He said they are quick to accuse the government of electoral malpractice while, in his view, they are the ones benefiting from irregularities.
He further claimed that in several polling stations, opposition agents allegedly interfere with vote counting. According to him, this interference leads to Museveni’s votes being reduced or reassigned.
The minister also criticized opposition leaders for what he called constant attacks on electoral institutions. He said these attacks are meant to discredit results before they are even officially announced.
Balaam Barugahara insisted that President Museveni remains the most popular political figure in Uganda. He argued that the consistent wins by the ruling party are not accidental but are a reflection of long-term public trust.
He pointed to government programs such as infrastructure development, security, education, and health services as reasons why many voters continue to support Museveni.
According to Balaam, opposition leaders struggle to accept defeat. He said instead of reflecting on why they lose elections, they choose to blame the ruling party and the Electoral Commission.
The minister also warned that spreading claims of stolen votes without evidence damages the country’s democratic process. He said such statements can create unnecessary tension and mistrust among citizens.
He urged Ugandans to remain calm and trust official processes. Balaam emphasized that disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than through public accusations.
Balaam further stated that Museveni’s leadership has brought stability to Uganda over the years. He argued that this stability is one of the key reasons voters continue to choose the president.
He accused the opposition of focusing more on social media activism than grassroots mobilization. According to him, online popularity does not always translate into real votes at polling stations.
The minister claimed that in many cases, opposition candidates overestimate their support. When results do not favor them, he said they quickly cry foul.
Balaam Barugahara also called on political leaders to put national unity above personal ambition. He said constant accusations of vote theft divide the country.
He added that constructive criticism is healthy for democracy, but it should be based on facts and evidence rather than emotions and political frustration.
The minister’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions from the public. Supporters of the ruling party welcomed his statements, saying they reflect what happens during elections.
On the other hand, opposition supporters dismissed his claims, insisting that electoral reforms are still needed to ensure transparency and fairness.
Political analysts say Balaam’s comments highlight the deep mistrust between the ruling party and the opposition. They note that such statements are common in highly competitive political environments.
As the debate continues, many Ugandans are calling for stronger electoral systems that can reduce disputes and increase confidence in election outcomes.
Minister Balaam Barugahara’s statement has added a new voice to the national conversation on elections. Whether his claims will be investigated or challenged remains to be seen, but they have certainly intensified the ongoing political debate in the country.
