The political heat in Uganda just turned up a notch. National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has made explosive allegations against President Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Ahead of the Kawempe North by-election, Bobi Wine claims the NRM staged fake defections using NUP materials seized during a controversial police raid.
This isn’t just political drama—it’s a clash of narratives that could shape the outcome of Thursday’s vote. Let’s unpack the details.
The Allegations: Fake Defections and Stolen Materials
Bobi Wine alleges that individuals presented as former NUP members defecting to the NRM were impostors.
According to him, these individuals wore brand-new NUP T-shirts and waved membership cards confiscated during a police raid on NUP offices earlier this year.
“These accomplices to his crimes were made to put on the T-shirts they stole from us,” Bobi Wine stated on X. “Some even waved the membership cards they took. This is a desperate attempt to create a false narrative.”
The NUP leader claims over 1,000 T-shirts and 2,500 membership cards were seized during the raid. He now says these items were used to stage the defections in Kawempe.
Related: Nalukoola Vows to Protect Kawempe North Vote with ‘People Power’
The Raid: A Contentious Operation
The controversy traces back to February, when police raided NUP’s headquarters in Kamwokya and Kavule. Security operatives cited intelligence reports of “unauthorised military training” within the party premises.
The operation, which involved a heavy security deployment, led to the detention of several NUP officials and the confiscation of party materials.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke defended the raid, calling it a necessary response to potential security threats.
However, Bobi Wine and his supporters have consistently dismissed these claims, calling the raid a politically motivated attack.
Campaign Showdown in Kawempe
The accusations come amid a heated campaign for the Kawempe North by-election. Both President Museveni and Bobi Wine campaigned in the constituency on Tuesday, rallying support for their respective candidates.
Museveni’s NRM is keen to secure a win in this opposition stronghold, while NUP is determined to defend its turf. The allegations of staged defections add another layer of tension to an already volatile race.
Related: Museveni to Test His Political Pull in Kawempe North By-Election
What’s at Stake?
The Kawempe North by-election is more than just a local contest—it’s a microcosm of Uganda’s broader political struggle.
For the NRM, a win would signal growing influence in opposition-held areas. For NUP, retaining the seat is crucial to maintaining momentum ahead of future elections.
Bobi Wine’s allegations highlight the deep mistrust between the opposition and the ruling party. Whether these claims will sway voters remains to be seen, but they’ve certainly intensified the political drama.
A Test of Credibility
As the by-election approaches, both sides are pulling out all the stops. But beyond the rallies and rhetoric, this contest is a test of credibility.
Can the NRM convince voters of its growing appeal? Or will NUP’s allegations of foul play resonate with the electorate?
One thing is clear: the outcome of Thursday’s vote will have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s political landscape.
