Uganda’s Electoral Commission Speaks After Bobi Wine’s Rally Attack
The Electoral Commission of Uganda has condemned the violent conflicts that occurred during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s (Bobi Wine) campaign rally in Gulu on Saturday, December 6, calling the incident “unfortunate and uncalled for.”
Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform party, has also chastised the incumbent president’s administration, Yoweri Museveni, for using violence to silence NUP supporters ahead of Uganda’s next election in 2026.
”They deployed goons who started beating up our people,” Bobi Wine took to X on Saturday, December 6.
“In the afternoon, they raided the venue for our campaign rally, beat up our people, vandalised our sound system, and stole several items. Those beaten include one of our drivers, who is yet to regain consciousness.”
In a statement published by EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon on Monday, December 8, the Commission expressed sorrow that the incidents had place just days after a joint meeting with all presidential contenders’ agents and the Uganda Police Force.
Uganda Soldiers Block Wine:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) December 7, 2025
Uganda presidential candidate beaten at a campaign
Wine said he was hit in the face with a cane
Bobi Wine wanted to campaign in Gulu on Saturday
Wine: Criminals in police & military uniform attacked us
Military said the campaign was an illegal… pic.twitter.com/5x06uhY1Fp
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful, law-abiding campaigns.
”As we await investigations into the incident to establish the root causes, the Commission wishes to state that this was unfortunate and uncalled for, especially coming just days after the meeting of all agents of Presidential candidates and the Uganda Police Force, to iron out any issues, with all those in attendance committing to peaceful conduct in accordance with the law,” the Commission’s statement said in part.
According to the Commission, the scenes observed in Gulu broke this vow and contradicted its long-standing calls for calm, respect for the law, and conformity to electoral norms.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that violence affects the legitimacy of the electoral process and jeopardizes Uganda’s ability to organize free, fair, and transparent elections.
”Violence is inconsistent with the Commission’s enduring calls on all stakeholders to act peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws to enable Ugandans to have free, fair and credible elections,” it added.
“A duly nominated Presidential candidate is free to traverse any part of Uganda to campaign, provided he or she is acting in line with the law and guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission.”
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The EC has also emphasized that any lawfully nominated presidential contender has the legal right to campaign in any area of the country, as long as they follow established laws and procedures.
The Commission stated that restricting or disturbing a candidate’s travels without a legal basis is inappropriate.
“If there is any disagreement on any matter on the campaign trail, the Commission appeals for dialogue, not violence and confrontation,” the statement read.
At the same time, the Commission has called on the Uganda Police Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Saturday incident and ensure that all individuals involved are held accountable in accordance with the law.
Uganda’s Electoral Commission Speaks After Bobi Wine’s Rally Attack
