Mbarara City mayoral candidate Louis Gafa Mbwatekamwa has accused his political rivals of orchestrating a smear campaign by circulating doctored posters falsely linking him to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Mbwatekamwa said the posters — which feature his image wearing a red beret, a symbol widely associated with NUP — were maliciously altered to confuse voters and damage his credibility.
“I want to make it clear to the public that I am not a member of NUP, and I have never declared any affiliation with the party,” he said.
“This is a cheap and desperate move by my political opponents to mislead the electorate and sow confusion about my political identity.”
The red beret, popularised by NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has become one of the most recognisable symbols in Uganda’s political sphere.
Mbwatekamwa warned that the unauthorised use of it on his posters could be interpreted as deliberate provocation or political sabotage.
“They are trying to create divisions among my supporters and portray me as dishonest. This is not just dirty politics — it’s an attack on democratic values,” he added.
He called on the Electoral Commission and security agencies to investigate the incident and hold those behind it accountable. “As a candidate, I expect a fair contest. Let’s engage in issue-based politics, not propaganda and sabotage,” he said.
There has been no response so far from NUP or other candidates regarding the allegations.
Despite the controversy, Mbwatekamwa urged his supporters to stay calm and focused, saying such tactics reflect panic among his rivals as the race intensifies.
The Mbarara City mayoral contest has grown increasingly competitive, with candidates ramping up their campaigns in the run-up to the elections.