KAMPALA – Odrek Rwabwogo, President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law, has sparked widespread discussion after accusing elements within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the military of electoral malpractice during Uganda’s January 15 general elections.
Speaking in a video from a public discussion on Uganda’s political and governance challenges that has since circulated widely on social media, Rwabwogo alleged that the elections were marred by vote rigging, voter bribery, ballot stuffing and violence against voters.
According to Rwabwogo, Uganda’s political system has increasingly become dominated by the “monetisation of politics,” where financial influence outweighs merit and leadership ability.
He called on Ugandans to unite in rejecting what he described as a culture that places money above competence in determining political leadership.
“Our politics has become heavily monetised,” Rwabwogo said, urging citizens to work towards strengthening democratic values and accountability.
Rwabwogo, a businessman and Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), is regarded as one of the influential figures within President Museveni’s inner circle, making his remarks particularly notable.
His comments come months after the 15th January elections in which President Museveni secured a seventh term in office with 71.65 percent of the vote, according to official results announced by the Electoral Commission.
The remarks have generated debate across social media and political circles, with observers describing them as one of the rare instances of a senior figure closely associated with the First Family publicly criticizing Uganda’s electoral process.
The comments also come amid heightened political tensions following recent restrictions affecting several media outlets, adding to discussions about governance, political accountability and democratic reforms in Uganda.
Neither the NRM, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), nor the Electoral Commission had immediately responded to Rwabwogo’s allegations at the time of publication.
Museveni's son-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo alleges vote rigging, bribery and ballot stuffing, urging Ugandans to reject the monetisation of politics. pic.twitter.com/9CEhBaI8xs
— The Ankole Times (@TheAnkoleTimes) June 28, 2026
