Kyotera District — Opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on Tuesday defended the public display of the Ugandan national flag by his supporters, saying it belongs to all citizens and does not require permission from the state.
Addressing supporters at a rally in Kyotera District, Kyagulanyi responded to recent security warnings and threats of a crackdown over what authorities have described as the alleged misuse of the national flag at opposition events.
“This flag of Uganda was not brought by Mr Museveni. It is one of the symbols we inherited from our forefathers,” Kyagulanyi said. “The flag shows that you and I have equal ownership of our country, Uganda. You don’t need anyone’s permission to use your flag.”
The remarks came as residents of Kyotera Town gathered along the Kyotera–Mutukula Road ahead of Kyagulanyi’s arrival from neighbouring Rakai District, where he had earlier held campaign rallies.
Supporters sang and danced as they awaited the National Unity Platform (NUP) flagbearer, who is campaigning ahead of the January 15, 2026, general election.
Kyotera was one of several stops on Kyagulanyi’s campaign trail in southern Uganda, following rallies in Lwamagwa, Rakai District, and engagements in Lyantonde. In posts on X, Kyagulanyi described the reception in the region as enthusiastic, saying supporters were embracing what he termed a “protest vote.”
At the Kyotera rally, Kyagulanyi also reiterated his long-standing claim that the 2021 presidential election was rigged, a charge previously rejected by the Electoral Commission (EC) and the government. He said both he and President Yoweri Museveni have questioned the credibility of past election results.
“I still insist that my votes were stolen during the 2021 General Election. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni also claims his votes were stolen,” Kyagulanyi said. “If all of us don’t trust the Electoral Commission, let voters remain near polling stations after voting to protect their votes.”
In recent weeks, security agencies have warned against what they describe as improper or unauthorised use of the national flag, citing laws that regulate how and where national symbols may be displayed. There have been reports of confrontations between security personnel and individuals carrying the flag at opposition activities, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
Kyagulanyi has framed the widespread display of the flag at NUP rallies as a peaceful expression of patriotism and unity, arguing that national symbols should not be monopolised by the state or the ruling party.
The government has not yet issued a formal response to Kyagulanyi’s latest remarks in Kyotera.
