Democratic Party leaders fight over election fraud claims after Norbert Mao won another term as president. Rival candidate Alitia Elia says Mao's team switched ballots and stuffed boxes during voting in Mbarara. Officials moved vote counting from an open tent to a locked hotel room. Only seven people could watch the final tally process.
A mystery ballot box appeared after voting ended at 6 am. The new box held over 500 votes all marked for Mao. Election workers threw out more than 500 valid votes for Alitia during counting. Some delegates voted multiple times and children as young as 14 cast ballots. Police officers watched everything happen but could not stop the problems.
Mao denies wrongdoing and warns critics about challenging him. He claims opponents spent unusual amounts of money to defeat him. The Electoral Commission chair disqualified 109 candidates without allowing appeals. Party divisions may hurt Democratic Party chances in 2026 elections. Many worry the oldest political party in Uganda faces serious reputation damage.
A mystery ballot box appeared after voting ended at 6 am. The new box held over 500 votes all marked for Mao. Election workers threw out more than 500 valid votes for Alitia during counting. Some delegates voted multiple times and children as young as 14 cast ballots. Police officers watched everything happen but could not stop the problems.
Mao denies wrongdoing and warns critics about challenging him. He claims opponents spent unusual amounts of money to defeat him. The Electoral Commission chair disqualified 109 candidates without allowing appeals. Party divisions may hurt Democratic Party chances in 2026 elections. Many worry the oldest political party in Uganda faces serious reputation damage.
