The National Unity Platform (NUP) Party Presidential Candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has accused security agencies and the Electoral Commission of presiding over an increasingly unfair and violent electoral environment.
Addressing the nation before setting off for campaigns in Kayunga District on Thursday, Kyagulanyi decried what he called escalating “police-orchestrated brutality” against his supporters since his campaign trail entered the Buganda region.
Kyagulanyi claimed that on Monday, police fired teargas canisters into what he described as peaceful campaign rallies without any legal justification.
He alleged that law enforcement was applying “disgusting double standards,” arguing that while NUP processions are violently dispersed, similar actions by National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates are tolerated.
He called on Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama to “rein in” on the excesses of security forces, saying his silence on “illegalities and rights violations” undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
The NUP leader further criticized Justice Byabakama for allegedly discouraging citizens from guarding their vote without citing any legal basis.
Kyagulanyi insisted that citizens have a right to actively participate in the electoral process, including observing tallying.
He cited Section 31(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, which he said allows citizens to observe the election within 30 metres of the tally table.
He maintained that NUP’s call for Active Citizens’ Participation (ACP) is lawful and aimed at promoting transparency. If the EC chairperson is “not ready to conduct a transparent, free and fair election,” Kyagulanyi said, he should “peacefully resign.”
Kyagulanyi also claimed that the ruling regime is planning to rig the forthcoming election by provoking unrest and using it as a pretext for a violent crackdown similar to the November 18–19, 2020 incidents.
He alleged that President Museveni’s government intends to impose a curfew ahead of polling day to facilitate electoral malpractice.
He said NUP is bringing these concerns to the attention of the international community, regional bodies and the African Union.
Despite the allegations, Kyagulanyi reiterated that NUP will remain law-abiding as it seeks votes across the country.
He vowed to proceed with his campaign programme and to reach all parts of Uganda “as per our schedule,” while continuing to demand a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
