KAMPALA
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, used his nomination for the 2026 presidential election to issue a direct appeal to President Yoweri Museveni: leave behind a legacy of peace by allowing a democratic transfer of power.
“I want you to remember that Uganda was here before you and Uganda will be here long after you are gone,” Wine told supporters outside the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Lweza, Wakiso District, on Tuesday. “You don’t have to burn it down on your way out. The best guarantee for your legacy, for your security, and for what you and your people have earned in the last 40 years is to allow a peaceful, orderly, and democratic transition of power.”
Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, condemned the heavy deployment of security forces in previous elections and urged the government to refrain from violence in the coming polls. “All we want is a free and fair election. No military violence, no police brutality. That is not too much to ask for. Let this election not be a military operation. Let this be a democratic election,” he said.
His remarks echoed growing concerns even within the ruling party. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Museveni’s longtime ally and current internal affairs minister, recently broke ranks by criticizing the government’s handling of dissent. Speaking at the Sam Kalega Njuba memorial lecture, Otafiire invoked Uganda’s turbulent past under Milton Obote and Idi Amin, warning against a return to repression.
“Besigye should be tried in court. Being condemned or absolved is a right,” Otafiire said, referencing detained opposition figure Kizza Besigye. “I was here during Obote I and Idi Amin’s regimes, and I can tell you, some of the things happening today are simply unacceptable.”
Uganda remains haunted by memories of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and Otafiire’s comments highlighted a rare public rift within Museveni’s inner circle.
Wine, who has faced arrests, harassment, and restrictions on his rallies in recent years, vowed to continue pushing for reforms. “They try to silence us, but we are even louder. We are not giving up. You cannot defeat people who don’t give up,” he said, pledging to promote human rights, rule of law, and equity in resource distribution if elected.
He becomes the sixth candidate cleared by the EC, following Museveni, Kasibante Robert, Joseph Maborizi, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, and Mugisha Muntu. Wine is expected to hold his first campaign rally at Kaala playground in Natete.
Meanwhile, at press time, the Common Man’s Party flag bearer, Mubarak Munyagwa a former Kawempe South MP known by his nickname Mugati gwa Bata had arrived at the EC offices for his own nomination. More candidates were expected before the close of the nomination window later in the day.
