(Buikwe) – Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, visited Buikwe District this week, continuing his National Unity Platform (NUP) countrywide tour while addressing his followers on the principles of justice, freedom, and resilience in Uganda. Wine emphasized his vision for a “New Uganda” and used the opportunity to condemn what he described as betrayal by certain leaders who, he claimed, prioritized personal wealth over the country’s welfare.
During his speech, Wine honored the sacrifices of those who have fought for Uganda’s freedom, mentioning that the journey to achieve a more equitable society is far from over. He noted, “We remember the courage of those who gave everything for a free Uganda. The struggle is not about individuals; it’s about a people determined to be free.” Wine urged his followers to hold steadfast in the pursuit of justice, adding that Uganda’s future rests on collective action, not individual gains.
Wine also called out some leaders he accused of “betraying” the Ugandan people by siding with those he claims “destroyed the economy” and targeted Ugandans for speaking out. According to Wine, these leaders have now aligned with those responsible for economic hardships and for intimidating citizens.
In a related post, Wine alleged electoral irregularities in the Kisoro by-election, stating that there were incidents of ballot stuffing and attempts to manipulate the election in favor of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate. In one report, Wine described how 160 ballots, allegedly pre-ticked in favor of the NRM candidate, were found at a polling station, sparking anger among local citizens. Wine claimed that one of his NUP agents witnessed these ballots and was offered money to ignore the situation, which he declined.
Wine went on to report that Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, visited the polling station in question, collected the pre-ticked ballots, but allegedly failed to explain their origin. Wine expressed concern that these actions reflect a “criminal regime” that, he argued, continues to provoke Ugandans with actions that compromise democracy.
Incident Details
Description
Location of Alleged Irregularities
Kisoro District, specific polling stations
Ballots in Question
160 pre-ticked ballots allegedly in favor of NRM candidate
Election Official Present
Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
Outcome at Polling Station
Byabakama allegedly removed ballots without explaining their origin
Bobi Wine’s Allegations
Accusations of election rigging, ballot-stuffing, and bribery of NUP agents
Wine expressed concern that these electoral irregularities reflect a pattern of intimidation and corruption, adding that they demonstrate the broader challenges Ugandans face in achieving transparent and fair elections. He warned that actions undermining public confidence in elections could escalate dissatisfaction among Ugandans, particularly the youth. “They will eventually get whatever they’re looking for,” he stated, cautioning that such actions could lead to broader unrest.
Bobi Wine closed his address by rallying his supporters and reaffirming his commitment to the cause, stating that the NUP would persist in its fight for change. He assured his audience that he and his supporters would continue to push for a “New Uganda that works for every citizen,” despite the setbacks they have faced.
