Magere – National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has said his family and party continue to stand with relatives of detained, missing, injured and deceased supporters, as allegations of widespread repression against the opposition intensify ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
While Bobi Wine was campaigning in Kalangala District, his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, hosted dozens of families affected by arrests, abductions and killings linked to political activity. The Christmas gathering was held at the Kyagulanyi family home in Magere, continuing what NUP leaders describe as a long-standing tradition of sharing meals and support with victims’ families during significant occasions.
“We’re away, campaigning in Kalangala, but my wife Barbie Kyagulanyi continued our tradition of sharing a meal with the families of our detained, disappeared, dead and injured comrades on special days,” Bobi Wine said in a statement. “Ahead of Christmas, she hosted them at our home in Magere and shared with them some food items and some upkeep for the season.”
Kyagulanyi said the gesture was meant to provide comfort, particularly to children whose parents have been imprisoned, abducted or killed.
“I am grateful to her and our welfare team for bringing a smile to the faces of the children of these victims,” he said. “When Uganda becomes free, we shall put an end to this culture of families being separated or torn apart by the actions of a repressive regime.”
In a separate message later in the day, Bobi Wine said he had safely returned from Kalangala and found that Barbie had also prepared Christmas gifts for members of his personal security team, whom he said face routine brutality while protecting opposition figures.
“Upon arrival back home, I found that my wife Barbie Kyagulanyi had prepared some Christmas presents for our security team who have placed their lives on the line to keep us safe since the campaigns started,” he said. “Oftentimes, they receive the same brutal treatment we’re subjected to daily. The least we can do is show them gratitude.”
Barbie Kyagulanyi, writing on her social media page, described the Christmas meeting as deeply emotional, saying families bonded through shared grief and resilience.
“Hallelujah, the King is born, and we are celebrating his birth regardless,” she wrote. “In Magere today, we shared Christmas “kimere” (food) and hugs with the children, wives and relatives of our abducted, disappeared, dead, injured and incarcerated comrades. Every time we meet for whatever reason, we get emotional and cry together.”
She thanked Bobi Wine and the NUP leadership for supporting families whose loved ones were absent during the festive season. “I would love to extend gratitude to our President Bobi Wine and his leadership for standing in the gap for the comrades who are not here with us this festive season,” she said, wishing Ugandans a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Allegations of Widespread Repression
The Christmas outreach comes amid mounting claims that NUP supporters have faced sustained repression by security forces since the 2021 elections, with reports escalating during the ongoing 2026 campaign period. Human rights organisations, media reports and opposition statements point to arrests, enforced disappearances, injuries and deaths linked to political activity.
According to figures cited by NUP and independent observers, more than 450 party supporters had been arrested by December 2025, many during rallies and campaign activities. Other estimates place the number higher, with at least 550 arrests reported since the start of 2025, including over 300 since the official campaign season began in September.
Some detainees have reportedly been charged with offences such as illegal possession of firearms or attempted murder, while others were allegedly released after defecting to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In Kibuku District in January 2025, at least five NUP supporters — including district leaders — were arrested and detained following party activities. In December, more than 30 supporters, among them opposition MPs, were reportedly held at Wandegeya Police Station after events in Mbarara.
Disappearances have remained a major concern. NUP and rights groups say abductions often involve unidentified operatives using unmarked vehicles. While some missing supporters later resurface in detention or hospitals, others remain unaccounted for.
Party records and earlier investigations indicate that hundreds were abducted during the 2021 election period, with dozens still missing years later. By December 2025, NUP officials said more than 30 families were dealing with imprisonment, abduction or disappearance of relatives linked to recent campaigns.
Deaths and injuries have also been reported. In November 2025, NUP supporter Meshach Okello was shot dead in Iganga during clashes with security forces, while other supporters were reportedly killed in Busoga and Gulu under similar circumstances. Scores have sustained injuries from live bullets, beatings and water cannons during crowd dispersals, with some left hospitalised.
A Message of Solidarity
Despite the grim backdrop, Bobi Wine framed the Christmas season as a time for resilience and shared hope. “The days ahead are still tough, but God is with us,” he said. “Christmas is a time of sharing. I encourage us to reach out to those around us and share love and hope during this festive season.”
As campaigns continue into the new year, NUP leaders say the welfare of affected families will remain a priority, even as they press for accountability and political change. “This struggle is about restoring dignity,” Barbie Kyagulanyi said. “Until every family is whole again, we will continue to stand together.”
