As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, opposition leader Bobi Wine has made a bold statement, urging his supporters to remain vigilant at polling stations to ensure a fair voting process.
In a press conference held just before his campaign trip to Bushenyi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) President emphasized that his party would not tolerate any interference by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) during the election process. Bobi Wine’s warning comes after a controversial announcement by the UPDF, which suggested the military would play an active role in supporting the Uganda Police Force (UPF) during the election period.
Bobi Wine’s remarks were a direct response to comments made by UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Colonel Henry Obbo, who stated that the military would support the police in maintaining security during the elections. Col. Obbo further advised citizens to cast their votes and then leave the polling stations, warning that it would not be allowed for voters to stay around to guard their votes. He added that protecting the ballots should be the responsibility of the security forces, not the electorate.
Bobi Wine, however, rejected this assertion and firmly disagreed with the military’s involvement in the election process. “We saw a top military official saying that people should vote and leave the military to protect their vote. This is not the mandate of the military and we reject it firmly because it undermines our democracy,” Bobi Wine declared. He added that such instructions were part of a wider effort by the Museveni government to suppress the will of the people.
The opposition leader went on to accuse President Yoweri Museveni’s regime of using the UPDF to manipulate past elections, subverting the democratic process by intimidating voters and controlling the outcome. “The UPDF has no business in elections in Uganda. It has been used before by Gen Museveni to subvert the voices of the people of Uganda. It will not work this time,” Bobi Wine insisted. This accusation is part of a larger narrative that has been repeated by opposition leaders, claiming that military influence during elections undermines the integrity of the voting process.
In his statement, Bobi Wine reiterated that Ugandans have a constitutional right to protect their votes and that it is not a crime for citizens to remain at polling stations or nearby to observe the process. He clarified that his party is not asking people to overcrowd the polling areas, but rather to stay around and be vigilant, making sure that the electoral process is transparent. He also urged voters to bring cameras to document any irregularities that may occur during the voting process.
The NUP President underscored the point that the responsibility for overseeing the elections lies with the Uganda Electoral Commission, not the military. “The power should remain in the hands of the people,” Bobi Wine stressed, emphasizing that the role of the military should not extend into the realm of democratic processes. He further warned that any attempt to militarize the elections would be rejected by his supporters, who are determined to ensure a free and fair election.
Bobi Wine’s statements have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the NUP and other opposition parties have hailed his call for voter vigilance, arguing that it is essential to ensure transparency in a political environment where they feel the government has often used security forces to intimidate voters. On the other hand, some pro-government figures have defended the role of the military, arguing that it is necessary to maintain peace and order during the election period.
The presence of the UPDF in previous elections has been a contentious issue, with many accusing the military of being used as a tool for voter suppression. The NUP leader’s remarks are a continuation of his long-standing criticism of the militarization of Uganda’s political processes, which he believes undermines democracy. Bobi Wine’s insistence on citizen vigilance reflects his commitment to creating a political environment where voters can freely express their will without fear of intimidation or manipulation.
As the 2026 elections approach, tensions between the government and the opposition are expected to escalate. With the military’s role in the election process still unclear, Bobi Wine’s call for a peaceful and fair election is likely to resonate with many Ugandans who are skeptical of the ruling party’s use of force during elections. The outcome of this contest will depend not only on the policies of the candidates but also on the ability of the electorate to safeguard their votes and protect the democratic process from external interference.
Bobi Wine concluded his remarks by urging all Ugandans to remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy. He called on his supporters to turn out in large numbers to vote and to stay vigilant during the election period, ensuring that their voices are heard loud and clear. “The people of Uganda have the right to shape their future, and no amount of intimidation will stop us from defending that right,” he said.
With less than a year to go until the election, the political climate in Uganda is growing more charged. Bobi Wine’s challenge to the UPDF’s role in elections has set the stage for a tense and highly contested race. The NUP’s call for vigilance and transparency will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the narrative of the 2026 general elections.
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