The chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, has said that National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is partly to blame for the violent clashes and incidents of police brutality against his supporters.
Byabakama said the chaos that occurred in parts of western Uganda this week, including Kiruhura, Isingiro, and Mbarara, was a result of Kyagulanyi’s continued defiance of campaign guidelines issued by the EC.
“Some of these unfortunate incidents arise because candidates fail to abide by the guidelines. For instance, some insist on campaigning beyond the stipulated time or moving with large processions along the road instead of holding rallies at gazetted venues,” Byabakama said.
He was speaking during a dialogue with Greater Kigezi youths, aimed at fostering peace during the elections, at Statistics House in Kampala.
Byabakama said the EC regretted the violent confrontations but maintained that law enforcement agencies often act in response to provocation or non-compliance with the agreed campaign rules.
“As the EC, we regret whatever incidents have happened against any candidate. However, I appeal to the security forces to review their mode of operation to ensure that enforcement of the law is done humanely,” he said. “Harmony can be restored as long as all candidates follow the guidelines.”
However, addressing the media today, Kyagulanyi accused the EC of not condemning the security agencies that brutalise opposition supporters.
Speaking after the arrest of more than 20 of his supporters in Mbarara, the NUP leader said his team was simply engaging with voters peacefully when security forces descended on them.
“They arrested our people for simply wearing red T-shirts and waving at us,” Kyagulanyi said on X.
“The same Electoral Commission that should protect all candidates equally is now blaming the victims instead of the perpetrators. This shows how captured our institutions are.”
He also claimed that his campaign trail has been repeatedly disrupted by police and the army in several districts across western Uganda.
“This violence will not stop us. We are determined to take our message of change to every corner of this country,” he added.
The arrests of NUP supporters in Kiruhura and Mbarara are part of a pattern of confrontations that have marred Kyagulanyi’s campaigns since he started campaigning in Western Uganda.
Human rights groups have in the past accused security agencies of using excessive force against opposition supporters, while government officials insist that such actions are necessary to maintain public order and prevent breaches of the law.
Byabakama said the EC continues to engage with both security agencies and political actors to ensure peaceful campaigns.
“The commission will keep urging all parties to act within the law so that Ugandans can freely make their choice in an environment of peace and mutual respect,” he said.
