National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that the government is orchestrating a plan to rig the 2026 elections, warning that authorities may provoke unrest as a pretext for a violent crackdown.
Speaking to the media on Thursday before travelling to Kayunga District, Kyagulanyi claimed his team has “reliable information” that security agencies intend to trigger chaos and impose a curfew ahead of voting, similar to the November 2020 unrest.
He said the matter is being raised with the international community, regional organisations and the African Union.
Kyagulanyi accused Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Simon Byabakama of failing to address these concerns or enforce fairness.
He said the Commission has condemned protest voting while remaining silent on alleged abuses targeting NUP supporters.
“If he is really in charge of the election, he should rein in,” Kyagulanyi said, arguing that Byabakama is discouraging citizens from protecting their vote “without quoting any legal provision.”
The NUP leader defended the party’s push for Active Citizens’ Participation, citing Section 31(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, which allows voters to observe tallying within 30 meters.
He said that if the EC cannot ensure transparency, Byabakama should “peacefully resign.”
Kyagulanyi linked the alleged rigging preparations to a pattern of police violence against his campaign activities.
He claimed officers have fired tear gas at peaceful rallies and applied double standards against opposition processions while tolerating those of ruling NRM candidates.
Despite the allegations, Kyagulanyi pledged to continue campaigning nationwide.
“We are continuously going to remain law-abiding in our pursuit for the votes, and we shall reach out to all parts of the country as per our schedule,” he said.