Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) presidential candidate Frank Bulira Kabinga has resurfaced after weeks of silence, blaming his absence from the campaign trail on financial paralysis that he says was caused by the government freezing his accounts.
Bulira, who launched his presidential bid in September, abruptly stopped campaigning shortly after, sparking speculation over whether he had withdrawn from the race.
Speaking this week, he said his movements were crippled because the state allegedly intercepted campaign funds sent from his supporters abroad.
“I have so far campaigned in only 13 districts because my movements were crippled,” Bulira said. “The government seized the funds and campaign materials that my friends abroad sent to support me.”
His disappearance stands in sharp contrast to other candidates who are nearing two months of uninterrupted nationwide campaigning ahead of the January 2026 polls.
During his return, Bulira appeared alone, without the 18 Electoral Commission–assigned guards meant to secure each presidential candidate.
“I deliberately left the guards behind,” he said. “God is my overall protector.”
Despite widespread doubts, Bulira insists his campaign has not collapsed. He says he began mobilising long before the nomination period and describes his long silence as part of a “silent campaign” strategy he believes will propel him to victory.
“People laughed at me for being quiet, but I started campaigning earlier than everyone else,” he said. “I am now returning to reinforce my message.”
Bulira also admitted he lacks campaign posters and branded materials across the country, attributing the absence to funding constraints.
“Financial limitations have stopped me from printing posters, but I will start once I get support,” he said.
The RPP candidate is now appealing to Ugandans to financially support his presidential bid, saying he plans to launch both his manifesto and a fundraising programme next week.
“I am asking Ugandans to support me so that I can re-tour the country,” Bulira said.
With just a month to voting day, political analysts say Bulira faces an uphill task to catch up with the rest of the field, raising questions over whether he can make a meaningful impact in the 2026 presidential race.