Uganda’s security agencies have issued a sharp warning to National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, accusing him of making statements that could spark violence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a toughly worded statement, Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA)/UPDF, expressed concern over Bobi Wine’s repeated calls for supporters to “mob polling stations” and later march to Kampala on polling day.
Security says Bobi Wine has also encouraged supporters to brace for possible confrontation with security forces, arguing they would “outnumber” the police and UPDF a message Col. Magezi labelled “ill-advised, toxic, shallow, and dangerous.”
Col. Magezi warned that rallying crowds to face off with armed personnel is unlawful and could easily plunge the country into chaos.
“In the worst-case scenario, those who incite violence and mislead young Ugandans into confrontation will not escape the consequences,” he cautioned, saying such politics usually ends in a “zero-sum game with no winners.”
He pointed to conflicts in the region as painful reminders of what happens when political actors miscalculate and choose violence over peaceful engagement.
Reaffirming the UPDF’s strength, Magezi noted that the army remains “highly capable, organized, proficient, and lethal,” warning that anyone underestimating its ability should “consult” groups previously defeated including al-Shabaab in Somalia, the ADF and CODECO in the DRC, and remnants of the LRA.
He also reminded the public of Uganda’s troubled history with violent cult-like mobilizations, citing Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement and Kirumira Mutima groups, saying such “reckless adventurism” has no place in Uganda’s future.
Col. Magezi urged all political players to stick to the law and Electoral Commission guidelines as campaigns intensify.
“We urge all leaders to look for votes peacefully and in accordance with the laws of Uganda.”Magezi urged .
The warning comes as the 2026 campaign season heats up, with security agencies insisting they will guarantee a peaceful electoral process but will not tolerate actions that threaten national stability.
Stay tuned for more updates here.
