President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly issued strict directives to the country’s top security agencies to remain vigilant and prevent a repeat of what he termed as “lapses in intelligence” during the 2021 general elections. According to reliable sources within the security establishment, the President is particularly concerned about large sums of money being channeled into Uganda to support the political ambitions of opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Security agencies are said to be closely monitoring mobile money platforms and banking channels following the recent launch of a nationwide fundraising campaign by the National Unity Platform (NUP). The campaign, which has seen supporters encouraged to contribute through MTN and Airtel mobile money lines, has drawn significant attention from authorities.
Insiders reveal that Airtel Uganda was recently directed to deactivate one of the lines associated with the fundraising drive after it accumulated close to Shs20 million in under 48 hours. The source of these contributions remains unknown, but intelligence officers believe the funds are linked to politically motivated activities aimed at bolstering Bobi Wine’s 2026 presidential bid.
The President, sources say, has not forgotten the events of 2021 when large sums of money allegedly made their way into Uganda to fund the NUP campaign. Museveni reportedly expressed disappointment with the country’s security organs at the time, accusing them of failing to detect and intercept the flow of foreign campaign funds. These funds, he argued, contributed to heightened political tension and created uncertainty among investors and senior government officials.
A senior intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that in the run-up to the 2021 elections, billions of shillings were transferred through various channels — including banks, NGOs, and telecom companies — to support opposition efforts. At one point, the situation became so tense that some foreign investors and high-ranking officials temporarily relocated their families abroad over fears of potential unrest.
In response to the perceived threat, the security establishment is now closely tracking large mobile money transactions and bank deposits, particularly those suspected to be linked to political activity. Surveillance has reportedly been expanded to include NGOs, corporate entities, and individuals believed to be acting as intermediaries in the transfer of funds to opposition networks.
It remains unclear whether Airtel Uganda will refund the contributions already made by supporters before the fundraising line was deactivated. However, sources suggest the move was made following a directive “from above” and may not be reversed any time soon.
The developments signal increased political tension ahead of the 2026 elections, with the government determined to prevent any external financial influence on the electoral process. Security officials insist that while citizens are free to support political parties of their choice, the origin and scale of financial contributions will not go unmonitored.
