Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) party president Jimmy Akena has welcomed President Yoweri Museveni's call for a probe into electoral malpractices that were witnessed during Bukedea district chairperson’s byelection.

Reflecting on the Oyam North County byelection that saw UPC win its ninth parliamentary seat, Akena asked Museveni to intensify the probe call with action.

In his letter, Museveni directed State House Anti-Corruption Unit head Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke to investigate cases of malpractice and chaos that he said would culminate into a replica of the 1980 fraudulent elections that pushed the National Resistance Army (NRA/M) to the bush for a five-year guerilla war. 

“This is a clear manifestation that a lot of similar incidents of election malpractice and massive fraud have been happening to cripple democracy in Uganda. Museveni’s call should be followed by serious action against culprits,” he said.

While addressing the media at UPC headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, Akena said electoral malpractice in the country remains a real threat to democratic practices and undermines the will of the people.

“As UPC, we are going to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. We need to deepen our democracy by holding free, fair and peaceful elections devoid of malpractices and violence,” he said.

Akena, also the son to the former president of Uganda Dr Apollo Milton Obote, said: “We strongly condemn the undemocratic acts of ballot stuffing that were noticed at Wang Lobo, Acokara and Baromele in Otwal sub-county in full view of men in uniform".

Oyam North parliamentary byelection UPC flag-bearer Dr Eunice Otuko Apio carried the day and was declared winner last week.

Four candidates contested to replace the late Okello Engola, who was also industrial relations state minister. The candidates were Engola's son, Samuel Okello and National Resistance Movement party flag-bearer, Apio of UPC, Daniel Okello of the National Unity Platform and Freddie Newton Okello of the Forum for Democratic Change.

Apio won with 15,718 votes against her nearest rival Okello Junior's 15,176 votes.

Oyam County North seat fell vacant following the shooting dead of Okello Engola by his bodyguard Wilson Sabiiti.