Presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi has vowed to release all political prisoners held in detention, claiming they are innocent and being unfairly targeted by the ruling NRM government.
Mabirizi named figures such as retired Colonel Kiiza Besigye and Alex Mufumbiro, the deputy party spokesperson of the National Unity Platform, saying they are detained not for any charges but because they pose a threat to President Museveni’s administration.
“The trick being used by this government is to keep political prisoners in custody for long periods and later release them claiming they have been pardoned,” Mabirizi said to cheering supporters, primarily youth boda boda cyclists gathered at Nakavule Roundabout stage in Iganga Municipality.
He also promised to increase the salaries of police officers to at least Shs2 million for the lowest ranks, arguing that their work in protecting the country deserves better compensation.
Mabirizi claimed that police often mistreat citizens during riots due to frustration with the ruling government.
On electoral issues, Mabirizi criticized the recently purchased biometric machines, expressing distrust that they would fairly reflect votes, and said the Conservative Party had formally raised concerns with the Electoral Commission.
Mabirizi addressed agricultural concerns, assuring rice farmers in Busoga that wetlands would remain accessible for farming rather than being allocated to industrial investors.
He also pledged to phase out sugarcane zoning restrictions, allowing farmers to sell their produce freely and at higher prices.
For boda boda riders, he promised to return all impounded motorcycles within three days of taking office, condemning police extortion.
Mabirizi proposed major governance reforms, including limiting presidential powers, establishing regional governments with control over local development, and keeping 60 percent of taxes at the regional level for infrastructure projects.
He also pledged to reduce the number of members of parliament from 545 to 50 and presidential advisors from 130 to 17, and to abolish the position of resident district commissioners.
At the rally, Mabirizi conducted a mock election, claiming a landslide victory over the NRM and National Unity Platform, asserting that his popularity would translate into an electoral win.
On national service, he said military training would be voluntary, modeled on Israel and South Korea.
The Conservative Party founder, Grace Ssebina, criticized the mismanagement of Uganda’s mineral wealth, arguing it benefits foreign construction rather than national development.
Supporters called for nationwide offices to mobilise political backing for Mabirizi.