Uganda’s political climate grew increasingly tense on Thursday as opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, openly challenged the Electoral Commission to uphold impartiality ahead of the 2026 polls. He accused EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama of turning a blind eye to what he described as systemic irregularities, raising serious doubts about the Commission’s ability to oversee a transparent election.
Addressing supporters before his campaign stops in Kayunga District, Kyagulanyi claimed that police and security personnel had escalated their attacks on his followers, particularly since he entered the Buganda region. He alleged that law enforcement had deployed tear gas on peaceful crowds earlier in the week without justification, signaling a growing hostility against his movement.
The opposition leader criticized what he called the “disgraceful double standards” of security agencies, insisting that the EC should intervene rather than allow such actions to continue unchecked. According to him, the Commission has a responsibility to protect the rights of all political participants and ensure that no candidate faces intimidation.
Kyagulanyi also highlighted Byabakama’s warning discouraging citizens from gathering near tallying centres. He argued that the law permits citizens to observe election activities from a 30-metre distance, and that any effort to block public oversight undermines transparency and erodes confidence in the voting process.
Going further, Kyagulanyi insisted that if Byabakama was unwilling or unprepared to guarantee a fair and credible election, he should resign. He stressed that Ugandans deserve an electoral process that reflects the will of the people, not one clouded by manipulation, fear, or confusion.
The opposition leader voiced concern that the government might impose a pre-election curfew, warning that such a measure could be exploited to restrict voter participation. While he did not provide evidence, he emphasized that any move to limit public engagement threatens the integrity of the electoral process.
Government and security officials, however, pushed back against Kyagulanyi’s accusations. Police claimed that his National Unity Platform had violated campaign regulations, obstructed highways, damaged vehicles, and clashed with officers, insisting that their actions were necessary to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission reiterated its commitment to investigating verified complaints and ensuring that all candidates abide by election rules.
Despite the rising tensions, Kyagulanyi pledged that his party would continue to act within the law. He vowed to campaign across the country and encourage citizens to participate actively in shaping the nation’s future. As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the confrontation between the opposition, security forces, and the EC foreshadows a period of intense political scrutiny and heightened public attention
