Bobi Wine Denies Calls for Riots, Reasserts Right to Peaceful Protest Ahead of 2026 Elections
By The Urban Gazette Political Desk
Kampala, Uganda Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has formally denied allegations that he has urged Ugandans to riot in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections, insisting that his calls have consistently been for peaceful protests as guaranteed under Article 29 of the Constitution.
The clarification comes after President Yoweri Museveni addressed supporters in Kisozi on December 17, warning that anyone attempting to “destabilize the country” would regret it, and asserting that Uganda’s security forces are capable of maintaining order. Museveni’s comments were widely interpreted as a response to rising calls for public demonstrations against the current administration.
In response, Kyagulanyi stated that at no point has he encouraged riots. “We have never called upon our people to riot,” he said. “Our call is for people to peacefully protest — a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. We are calling on citizens to stand up peacefully if elections are not held freely and fairly.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP) flagbearer reiterated that his campaign theme of “Protest Vote” is rooted in democratic participation, not violence, and emphasized that frustrations over restrictions on campaigning — including alleged media blackouts and arbitrary arrests of his supporters — are the drivers behind his advocacy for peaceful civic action.
Why It Matters:
Uganda’s 2026 elections are shaping up to be among the most contested in the country’s modern history. Kyagulanyi’s clarification aims to temper fears of an escalation in political unrest while keeping pressure on the ruling party over electoral fairness. The dynamic between opposition calls for peaceful protest and government warnings against public disorder highlights ongoing friction within Uganda’s political landscape.
What to Watch:
Monitoring of public demonstrations in Kampala and regional hubs.
Statements from the Uganda Police and Electoral Commission on protest guidelines.
Reports of arrests or clashes linked to campaign activities.
