Kalangala – National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on Christmas Eve, took his 2026 campaign trail to Kalangala District, where he held a series of rallies and engagements with island communities, particularly fishermen.
Kyagulanyi said his return to Kalangala carried deep significance, recalling the events of December 30, 2020, when his campaign activities on the islands were violently disrupted by security forces.
“Our first campaign engagements have been concluded at Bukasa, Kyamuswa Island in Kalangala District,” Kyagulanyi said. “The last time we came to Kalangala in 2020, we were rounded up by security forces and my entire campaign team was arrested, persecuted in the military court and detained for months in prison. The regime did not want us to carry our message to the masses.”
He added that this time, despite the heavy political climate, he was able to address residents freely, describing the reception as overwhelming.
“Today, on Christmas Eve, we find ourselves back in Kalangala district, addressing the fishing community and rallying residents to be part of the liberation cause,” he said. “We are on our course to a New Uganda where all citizens have an equal role to play.”
Kyagulanyi held rallies at Bukasa and later at Ndekano Primary School playground in Kyamuswa Parish, where he praised residents for their enthusiasm and determination.
“Our first rally in Kalangala District has been successfully concluded at Ndekano P/S playground,” he said. “The enthusiasm written on our people’s faces is inexpressible.”
Later reflecting on the day’s activities, the opposition leader said the mood on the islands reflected a growing appetite for political change. “Still about Kalangala where we have campaigned today. The zeal for change is written all over. This is more than a revolution,” Kyagulanyi noted, thanking islanders for what he described as their passion to see a better Uganda.
As the country marked Christmas, Kyagulanyi extended festive greetings to residents of the island district, saying, “Wishing my endeared Islanders of Kalangala District a Merry Christmas!”
However, alongside the campaign message, Kyagulanyi also raised concerns over what he termed increasing electoral malpractice targeting NUP candidates ahead of the 2026 polls. He accused the Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, of illegally blocking opposition candidates who refuse alleged inducements from the ruling party.
“Whatever Byabakama is looking for, he will definitely get,” Kyagulanyi said. “Museveni is out there trying to buy out as many NUP candidates as possible, and those who refuse are being illegally denominated by Byabakama.”
He cited the case of Isingiro Woman MP aspirant Resty Kyarimpa, whose nomination was recently rejected. “She was initially approached and offered hundreds of millions of shillings to drop out of the race, and she refused,” Kyagulanyi said. “These are clear violations happening under the watch of a weakened, compromised judiciary. Uganda needs a reset.”
Kyagulanyi’s Kalangala visit comes amid heightened political tension as campaigns intensify nationwide, with opposition leaders repeatedly accusing state institutions of bias, allegations the government and the Electoral Commission have previously denied.
