National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has raised fresh concerns over what he described as the recruitment and training of a partisan militia ahead of the 2026 general elections, while at the same time intensifying his party’s mobilisation drive across western Uganda.
In a strongly worded statement, Bobi Wine accused the ruling government of allegedly using Special Police Constables (SPCs) for partisan purposes, contrary to their legal mandate.
“There is evidence all over that the criminal regime is recruiting and training a militia to terrorise citizens in the coming days,” Bobi Wine said. “This is a training of Special Police Constables who are provided for in the law, paid by the taxpayer. They should be non-partisan, serving all citizens and ensuring that there is order at polling stations.”
He alleged that instead, the SPCs were being mobilised to support President Yoweri Museveni politically. “Here they are, being asked to support Dictator Museveni and ‘protect his vote’. Of course, in past elections they have been used to conduct massive ballot stuffing and other forms of electoral fraud,” he said.
Bobi Wine called on Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama to publicly clarify the Commission’s position on the alleged violations, warning that silence could further undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“Byabakama must come out and pronounce the stand of the Electoral Commission on all these violations before things get worse,” he said. “Each day, we register complaints about these crimes, but the electoral body is silent. They must take charge of the Electoral Process or resign.”
He added that the opposition would use the ballot as a tool of protest against what he termed electoral malpractice. “#ProtestVote2026 will be our opportunity to put an end to this madness,” he said.
Western Uganda campaign trail
At the same time, the NUP leader has continued to crisscross western Uganda as part of what he described as the ninth week of nationwide mobilisation. In Kamwenge District, Bobi Wine officially opened a party coordination office and unveiled NUP flag bearers.
“In Kamwenge, we opened our coordination office and later on unveiled our flag bearers to the public,” he said. “Special thanks to my Deputy President, Maama Jolly Jacklyn Tukamushaba and the team that has worked tirelessly to ensure that our campaigns in Western Uganda turned out a success. Mwebare munonga (thank you so much).”
He later thanked residents of Kamwenge, Ibanda and Kitagwenda districts for what he described as a warm reception. “Our ninth week of campaigns has come to an end in Kamwenge District, where we have also opened our party office to intensify our coordination and mobilisation efforts,” Bobi Wine said.
While campaigning in Kitagwenda, Bobi Wine criticised government officials over poverty levels in rural areas. “The regime officials brag about the gains they are protecting, and you wonder if this abject poverty is part of these,” he said.
He reiterated NUP’s pledge to fight corruption, arguing that huge sums of public money are lost annually. “The NUP government will prioritise the fight against corruption and save the UGX 10 trillion which is lost to this vice. Such funds shall be redirected to infrastructural projects across the country,” he said.
In Kasese District, Bobi Wine addressed supporters at Karambi Grounds in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, where he criticised what he termed misplaced government priorities.
“Our message was centred around corruption, insecurity, poverty and misplaced priorities whereby the regime prefers to invest in guns yet our hospitals lack medicine,” he said.
He also highlighted the poor state of the Mpondwe–DRC highway, calling it a missed opportunity for cross-border trade. “As a border town, Bwera is significant for trade between Uganda and the DRC, but this can only be achieved once the roads are in a better state,” he added.
‘Afande, I am not fighting you’
Addressing security personnel during his tour, Bobi Wine struck a conciliatory tone. “Afande, I am not fighting you. I am fighting for you,” he said.
He also welcomed statements by elders from the Acholi sub-region condemning violence and impunity. “Delighted to see more moral voices speaking out against violence and impunity,” Bobi Wine said. “They reiterate our call to Mr Byabakama and the Electoral Commission to take charge of the Electoral Process, which has been hijacked by the military and police, or resign.”
Bobi Wine says the NUP campaign is focused on promoting what he calls a “New Uganda” anchored on accountability, improved infrastructure, social services, and respect for democratic processes.
