Tensions have escalated between opposition leader Bobi Wine and ruling party officials over claims of bribery and manipulation in the lead-up to Uganda’s 2026 elections.
On December 28, 2025, Bobi Wine took to Twitter to accuse Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa of presenting “ghost candidates” to President Yoweri Museveni to extract bribes. Wine claimed that three people, allegedly posing as National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates, were each promised Shs400 million, totalling Shs1.2 billion in taxpayer money.
“Taxpayers’ money, which should be fixing schools, roads, and hospitals,” Wine tweeted, calling the practice “mafia-style” and vowing that “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.” He accused Tayebwa of exploiting Museveni’s age and described the alleged scheme as a network of corruption involving real and fake candidates.
In response, Thomas Tayebwa denied any wrongdoing and defended his actions. Tayebwa acknowledged that one of the individuals presented was not a legitimate NUP flagbearer but described it as a “mistake” that would not be repeated.
He emphasised that many NUP officials had voluntarily crossed to the NRM, citing dissatisfaction with their party’s agenda. “There was, and there is no need to pay any of these people. They’re approaching us themselves,” Tayebwa said.
He also criticised Wine for labelling him “cold-blooded” for engaging with voters, urging civility and constructive dialogue. “Finally, I request you to be exemplary and use acceptable language. Why would someone be labelled cold-blooded because of talking to your supporters? If you behave that way when you have no power, what about when you are given full authority over our country? If we are to have a credible conversation about our country’s future, let’s not preach water but drink wine.”
Adding to the debate, David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP secretary-general, argued that the controversy stemmed from the Electoral Commission’s (EC) verification process. He said the EC’s computerised system flagged discrepancies in candidate nominations, including claims that some individuals’ names were submitted twice.
Rubongoya asserted that petitions against NUP candidates were politically motivated, noting that no NRM candidates faced similar scrutiny.
Tayebwa responded, insisting that only nomination documents properly stamped by Returning Officers are valid, and challenged any claimant to provide authenticated copies to substantiate their claims.
The exchange underscores the rising tensions ahead of Uganda’s elections, with both the ruling NRM and opposition NUP accusing each other of manipulation, corruption, and misuse of state resources. Observers say the public spat reflects deeper divisions and growing mistrust in the electoral process, particularly over candidate verification and alleged vote-buying schemes.
