KAMPALA, Uganda — National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, urged supporters Monday to overcome intimidation and vote in Thursday’s election.
Speaking at Agha Khan Grounds in Old Kampala, Kyagulanyi told a crowd that security forces and ruling National Resistance Movement officials are using fear as a deliberate strategy to weaken the opposition.
These are psychological and mental tactics meant to instill fear, Kyagulanyi said. I urge you to overcome fear and stick to the truth. Do not be intimidated by the threats of Gen. Museveni.
The candidate claimed more than 460 NUP supporters have been arrested during the campaign and linked 10 deaths to election-related violence. He characterized the struggle as a fight to remove President Yoweri Museveni’s administration from power.
Kyagulanyi also accused the Electoral Commission of bias, alleging it colluded with the NRM to disqualify opposition candidates. As of Monday, 14 candidates were unopposed, mostly from the NRM. Meanwhile, 12 candidates have been disqualified, including seven from the NUP.
The EC has clearly shown that it has taken sides, but the people are watching, Kyagulanyi said.
Julius Mucunguzi, a spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, rejected the claims of partiality. He said the commission makes decisions based on the law and evidence rather than party affiliation.
We do not look at party affiliation, religion, or region, Mucunguzi said. We receive complaints and make decisions in accordance with the law.
