Minister Hajjat Minsa Kabanda has come out strongly to defend her political victory, saying that even her opponent, National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, knows very well that she defeated him genuinely without any form of cheating.
Her remarks have sparked fresh debate in political circles, especially among supporters from both sides.
Speaking with confidence, Kabanda dismissed claims that her win was influenced by manipulation or unfair practices.
She said the results reflected the true will of the people who turned up to vote. According to her, the outcome was clear from the beginning and did not require any dishonest tactics to secure victory.
Kabanda narrated an incident that she believes clearly shows that Rubongoya accepted defeat.
She explained that while she was at Kololo, where the official tallying centre was located, Rubongoya personally approached her. This moment, she said, is proof that there was nothing hidden or controversial about the election process.
She revealed that Rubongoya walked up to her, greeted her warmly, and even shook her hand. In a calm and respectful manner, he introduced himself and told her that it was the first time he was meeting her physically. To Kabanda, this simple gesture carried a deep meaning.
According to the minister, Rubongoya’s actions showed that he already understood the reality of the results. She said there was no argument, protest, or accusation at that moment. Instead, it was a peaceful interaction between two politicians who had just come from a competitive race.
Kabanda further explained that shortly after greeting her, Rubongoya left the tallying centre. She interpreted his departure as a silent acknowledgment that the race had been decided and that the numbers did not favor him. To her, this was clear acceptance of defeat.
The minister emphasized that elections are about numbers, not noise. She said once votes are counted transparently and agents from all sides are present, the outcome should be respected. In her view, this is exactly what happened at Kololo.
She also pointed out that her agents were present throughout the tallying process. According to Kabanda, this ensured transparency and fairness at every stage. She said there was no room for cheating when all stakeholders were watching closely.
Kabanda expressed disappointment that some people later tried to create a different narrative. She said it was unfair for critics to claim cheating when even the main opponent behaved calmly and respectfully at the tallying centre.
The minister added that politics should be guided by truth and maturity. She urged politicians to accept both victory and defeat with dignity. In her opinion, refusing to accept results only damages public trust in democratic processes.
She also used the opportunity to remind the public that competition does not mean hatred. Kabanda said greeting each other after a tough contest is a sign of political maturity and respect for democracy.
According to her, Uganda needs leaders who can disagree during campaigns but unite afterward for the good of the country. She said personal attacks and endless accusations only divide the population.
Kabanda maintained that her victory was earned through hard work and engagement with voters. She said she spent time listening to people’s concerns and presenting her vision clearly, which won her genuine support.
She dismissed suggestions that power or influence played a role in her win. Instead, she credited ordinary voters who believed in her message and leadership abilities.
The minister said she is ready to be judged by her performance in office, not by rumors surrounding elections. She promised to serve all people, including those who did not vote for her.
Kabanda also warned against turning every election loss into a conflict. She said democracy cannot grow if leaders refuse to accept outcomes that do not favor them.
She insisted that Rubongoya’s behavior at Kololo should be a lesson to others. According to her, his calm greeting showed that he understood the results and chose peace over confrontation.
The minister believes that such moments should be highlighted more than the drama that often follows elections. She said peaceful acceptance of results strengthens the country’s political culture.
Kabanda concluded by saying she has nothing to hide. She reiterated that her conscience is clear and that her victory was clean, genuine, and deserved.
As the political debate continues, her statement has added a new dimension to the discussion. Whether critics agree or not, Minsa Kabanda remains firm in her claim that the win was fair—and that even her opponent knows it.
