Former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza has called on opposition parties to shift their focus from electoral numbers to political strategy, urging them to consider a parliamentary boycott if a presidential election is disputed.
Kiiza criticised the ruling government for “counting unopposed MPs to flaunt power,” arguing that the opposition should instead assess its own level of preparedness in the event of a contested election.
She challenged opposition parties to reflect on their capacity for collective action, asking, “How many of our MPs are ready to boycott parliament in protest if their presidential candidate is cheated out?”
Kiiza referenced former Kasese MP Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, who famously boycotted parliamentary proceedings in protest decades ago, suggesting that the current opposition should evaluate whether it has leaders willing to take similar risks.
“In other words, how many ‘Dr. Crispus Kiyongas’ do we have in the opposition today?” she asked.
The former FDC stalwart noted that such discussions had occurred within her party in the past, but admitted the opposition had often fallen short of coordinated action.
“We have had these hard conversations in FDC before, and often we weren’t prepared,” Kiiza said.
Her remarks come as Uganda’s political parties intensify internal mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general election, and as concerns over electoral fairness continue to shape opposition messaging.
Kiiza did not specify which opposition groups she believes are capable of such a boycott, and no party has yet formally responded to her comments.