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The NUP party president Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at Komamboga play ground in Kawempe North Constituency (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
Kawempe North
The National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called on voters not only to fight the corrupt government of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni but also to reject the leaders who have enabled exploitation at all levels.
Addressing a massive crowd at Komamboga Playground in Kawempe Division, Kampala, on Tuesday, Kyagulanyi said it was time to mobilize Ugandans against electing leaders who have supported what he described as a "slave master" regime, which has oppressed Ugandans for the past 39 years.
“Uganda loses over UGX 10 trillion to corruption annually, according to statistics from the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Beti Kamya Turwomwe. Once upon a time, Uganda provided aid and support to countries in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, but today, they are among the first-world countries while we continue to struggle,” Kyagulanyi stated.
"We Must Fight the Corrupt Regime"
Kyagulanyi, who continues to champion the call for political change, urged Ugandans to take a stand against corruption by rejecting leaders who have perpetuated sectarian politics and misused public resources.
“Shun succession politics. Museveni does not care about the future of poor Ugandan families because he is the slave master. He spends over UGX 250 million daily, and that is why the country’s wealth, which should have benefited all Ugandans, ends up in the hands of his 350,000 kinsmen, while over 45.5 million Ugandans continue to languish in poverty,” he observed.
He further urged voters in Kawempe North to use the upcoming by-election as a protest vote to transition Uganda from a military regime to civilian rule, a shift he emphasized has not been realized since independence in 1962.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, Kyagulanyi cited Singapore, a nation that once struggled with corruption but transformed into one of the world’s most prosperous nations due to strong leadership, transparency, and accountability.
“Singapore succeeded because its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, led by example. He rejected gifts and lived modestly, setting a precedent for integrity in governance. That is the kind of leadership Uganda needs,” Kyagulanyi said.
He also emphasized the need for strong institutions, suggesting that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) should be an independent body with full authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
Vote rigging in Kawempe to spark protests
Kyagulanyi, who urged voters to support NUP flag bearer Luyimbazi Nalukoola, warned that rigging the election would provoke widespread protests against the regime.
“Vote protection is key. You must guard your vote by arriving early at polling stations. Do not wear NUP uniforms, as we have learned of a plot to use our party colors to cause violence and sneak in pre-ticked ballot papers,” he cautioned.
NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya challenged voters to deliver a 90% win to prove that the NRM no longer has support in Uganda.
“Come to the polling stations in plain clothes because our t-shirts will be misused by regime agents to disrupt voting and justify rigging,” he warned.
“With discipline and vigilance, we shall overwhelm the regime, which is desperately using Kawempe as a comeback strategy after the 2021 general election humiliation, especially in the Central Region,” Rubongoya emphasized.
Nalukoola condemns political violence
NUP candidate Erias Nalukoola, while making his final campaign appeal, condemned the continued political violence directed at his supporters.
He particularly decried the arrest and disappearance of his personal secretary, Umar Kasule, whose whereabouts remained unknown at the time of reporting.
“I fear for my supporters, especially Kasule, who has been missing since his arrest. When we checked at Kanyanya Police Station, we were told he was taken to an unknown destination. We are still searching for him,” Nalukoola said.
He further alleged that his phones, documents, and company seal were confiscated by police during the incident.
“We shall march to State House if our victory is stolen. We will not bribe the Electoral Commission to announce us as winners, because it has become a norm for district returning officers to be pressured into reversing opposition victories,” he warned.
Former MP Ssebagala Calls for Vote Protection
Former Kawempe North MP, Latif Ssebagala, urged voters to protect their votes, warning that failure to do so would enable electoral fraud.
“Go and vote on Thursday to disprove the narrative that our movement makes noise without votes to show. I know this regime well, and we must guard our victory at all costs,” Ssebagala emphasized.
Election observers call for peaceful voting
The National Consultative Forum of Uganda, an election observer mission in Kawempe, urged voters to remain calm and peaceful during the by-election, scheduled for March 13, 2025, to replace the late MP Mohammed Ssegirinya.
Election observer Stella Nambuya, who attended the final campaign rally, emphasized the need for a peaceful electoral process.
“I warn against processions that could disrupt traffic at polling stations. We will be deployed to ensure a free and fair election, but all candidates should caution their supporters against engaging in violence before and after voting,” Nambuya advised.
She commended voters for maintaining peace throughout the campaign period and urged them to continue exercising restraint and discipline.
Electoral commission issues Final warning
To ensure a credible electoral process, the Electoral Commission (EC) has put in place several measures, including voter education, a structured campaign roadmap, and enhanced security measures.
EC Head of Public Relations, Julius Mucunguzi, warned against voter bribery, emphasizing that it is a punishable offense under Ugandan law.
“Adherence to the guidelines issued by the commission under the chairmanship of Simon Byabakama is crucial for a peaceful and fair election,” Mucunguzi stated.
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