In a series of press briefings and meetings, Otafire underscored the importance of free and fair competition, saying security organs must protect all political actors without intimidation or harassment.
He urged that the law—not partisan interests—should guide the conduct of officers during the election period.
“I want to make it very clear that the role of security forces is to uphold the law, not to become instruments of oppression against any political party or candidate,” Otafire said.
"Every Ugandan, regardless of affiliation, has the right to seek support and share their vision for the nation.”
He singled out the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, urging security agencies to facilitate the opening of party offices across the country.
Otafire stressed that Kyagulanyi had broken no law and must enjoy the same freedoms as other candidates.
“I have instructed the security forces to allow Mr. Kyagulanyi to open his party offices,” he said at his residence in Mbuya, Nakawa Division.
“He has not broken any law, and he deserves the same rights during this election cycle.”
This assurance, a rare public defense of opposition space from a senior minister, comes after years of clashes between police and NUP supporters.
Otafire also appealed to the public to maintain peace, urging citizens to elect leaders committed to Uganda’s development.
Turning to persistent accusations of land grabbing, Otafire dismissed claims that he had illegally seized a government farm in Njeru, Mukono district—known locally as the Square Mile land—and used it to grow marijuana.
“These are baseless accusations,” he declared. “I have never grabbed any government land. The land in question was purchased legally, and I possess the necessary documentation to prove ownership.”
He detailed how he bought 50 acres on Plot 3 from Enock Ssebbowa, heir to Christopher Lule, and another 50 acres on Plot 4 from Fredrick Kato Lukwaju in 2016. Otafire stressed that these were private transactions backed by land titles.
His lawyer, Sam Ahamya, explained that the land had once hosted a government farm under lease, but when the state failed to pay rent, the owner repossessed it in 2014.
“There is a concerted effort to tarnish the minister’s reputation,” Ahamya argued, calling the allegations politically motivated.
Otafire’s dual pronouncements—pushing for electoral impartiality and publicly rebutting corruption claims—are likely to shape debate in the run-up to elections.
Civil society and the opposition will closely watch whether security forces act in line with his instructions.
By defending his personal record while also urging a more level political playing field, Otafire is positioning himself both as a statesman and as a politician under siege.
How this balancing act plays out could influence not only his own credibility but also the credibility of Uganda’s next electoral cycle.