Viral remarks by a senior presidential adviser, suggesting President Yoweri Museveni cannot be voted out and will be succeeded by his son, have sparked outrage as Ugandans head to the polls amid fears over democratic backsliding.

As Ugandans cast their ballots in a closely watched general election, controversial comments by a senior aide to President Yoweri Museveni have triggered intense national and international debate over the credibility of the electoral process.

Yiga Wamala, a Senior Presidential Adviser, stirred public anger after a video of him circulated widely on social media ahead of Thursday’s vote. In the footage, Wamala bluntly claimed that President Museveni would retain power regardless of the election outcome, effectively dismissing the role of voting in determining leadership.

Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term in office, extending a rule that began in 1986 after he seized power through a rebel insurgency. For many Ugandans, he is the only president they have ever known.

In the video, Wamala urged citizens to vote and leave polling stations immediately, insisting that voters and party agents would have no involvement in counting ballots. He openly questioned the relevance of elections in changing leadership.

“You will not see even the votes you are going to count,” Wamala said. “Never think on that day that Museveni will lose his power by voting. He is going to be the president, believe it or not.”

He went further by openly suggesting a dynastic succession, claiming that Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba — the current Chief of Defence Forces — would eventually assume power.

“If you are still crying for Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba is also coming after him,” Wamala said, remarks that many interpreted as confirmation of long-suspected succession plans.

The comments have provoked widespread backlash from opposition figures, civil society groups, and democracy advocates, who described them as a shocking admission of electoral manipulation and authoritarian intent. Critics argue that the remarks reinforce concerns over shrinking democratic space, especially amid reports of internet disruptions, arrests of opposition supporters, and heavy security deployment before the vote.

However, supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have downplayed the controversy, portraying Wamala’s statements as an expression of confidence in Museveni’s popularity and long-standing grip on power.

Museveni is facing multiple challengers in the election, including opposition leader and musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is contesting for the presidency for the second time after his strong but disputed performance in the 2021 election.

While analysts largely predict another victory for Museveni, concerns remain over transparency, vote counting, and the credibility of the final results. International observers and human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that the pre-election environment has been marked by intimidation and restricted political freedoms.

As Ugandans await official results, Wamala’s remarks have intensified discussions about the future of Uganda’s democracy, the legitimacy of electoral processes, and the growing fears of a hereditary transfer of power after nearly four decades of uninterrupted rule.

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