The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Hon Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has disclosed what he plans to do if he is not declared the President of Uganda in the upcoming general elections in 2026. During his appearance on NBS TV’s Barometer Show, the former Member of Parliament stated that they will participate in a non-violent protest against the election results.
“In 2026, we are ready to engage in a protest vote in a moral, non-violent, and constitutional way,” Bobi Wine remarked.
The NUP leader is quite optimistic about winning the general election, viewing the current President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as his main challenger. Bobi Wine and his supporters frequently assert that he rightfully won the 2021 general elections and refer to him as the true president who is not in power.
Following the last general elections, Bobi Wine had threatened to pursue legal action regarding the results, and he indeed did so. However, he eventually withdrew the case, stating that it had been handed over to the People’s Court, yet the populace has not reached a conclusion about whether he was the rightful winner.
As he looks ahead to next year’s election, the former Kyadondo East MP feels energized and confident about achieving a significant victory. He highlighted the recent Kawempe North by-election, which his party won decisively, as a preview of what lies ahead.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the government’s choice not to shut down the Internet allowed everyone to witness his party’s significant win, and he hopes for the same outcome come 2026 if the Internet remains accessible. Bobi Wine also criticized his former deputy, Mathias Mpuuga’s electoral reforms.
The singer-turned-politician expressed that these reforms are ineffective if one individual continues to appoint the Electoral Commission chairman.
“The crucial electoral reform needed is to ensure that it’s not a single individual who appoints the Electoral Commission. Without this reform, all other electoral reforms are pointless,” he added.
However, he did not clarify why he would still participate in an election where Chairman Simon Byabakama was the one who allegedly denied him victory in the prior election. Meanwhile, Bobi Wine also defended his statements encouraging his supporters to form large groups known as eggali, explaining that this is meant for vigilance during the upcoming elections and not for intimidation.
