KAMPALA
The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has condemned what it calls violent attacks and disruption of the ongoing campaigns of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
In a statement issued on Saturday, ANT Acting National Coordinator Alice Alaso Asianut expressed concern over reports of violence in Lira, Kiruhira, and Mbarara districts, saying the actions of the state and security agencies are undermining citizens’ rights to participate in the electoral process.
“This behaviour of the state and police is highly detrimental to the right of the candidate and citizens to participate actively in the electoral process,” Alaso said.
She condemned the alleged humiliation and undressing of women during arrests, calling it a “strong indictment of the NRM Government,” and urged female leaders in government to speak out against what she termed “barbaric treatment of fellow women.”
Alaso further called on the Electoral Commission to act swiftly to ensure that all candidates are protected and given the freedom to reach out to voters across the country.
“The Electoral Commission should be seen to act. It is your mandate to ensure candidates are protected and facilitated to meet Ugandans,” the statement read.
ANT also warned against the continued use of unidentified armed groups to intimidate Ugandans, saying such actions risk plunging the country into chaos and instability.
“The continued use of unidentified armed groups to harass Ugandans should stop now; otherwise, this is a recipe for chaos and instability,” Alaso warned.
The opposition party expressed solidarity with NUP, demanding a safe, free and fair campaign environment, and called for the unconditional release of persons allegedly kidnapped by security agencies.
“We stand with NUP to demand a safe, fair campaign and electoral process,” the statement concluded.
The statement comes amid growing reports of violent confrontations between security forces and opposition supporters in several parts of the country as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections. On Wednesday, a group of NRM youth armed with sticks and stones clashed with NUP supporters at Sanga as Bobi Wine arrived to campaign in Rushere Kiruhura district. On Friday, security personnel also confronted Kyagulanyi’s team as they headed to Bwizibwera in Mbarara district and arrested several people.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said on Friday evening that the arrests were due to earlier assaults against some police officers during Bobi Wine’s campaigns in Lira City, Mayuge, Kazo, Kiruhura among others.
