Electoral Commission cites 62 offences in stern warning to Kyagulanyi

The Electoral Commission has issued a stern warning to Bobi Wine over 62 documented offences, including incitement and unlawful assembly, during the 2025 presidential campaign.

Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama speaks during a press conference in Kampala

Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama speaks during a press conference in Kampala

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has documented 62 alleged offences against National Unity Platform candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, issuing a stern warning that continued violations could lead to firm legal action.

In a letter dated Dec. 18, 2025, commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama accused the candidate, better known as Bobi Wine, of persistent and blatant breaches of the Presidential Elections Act. The commission claims these violations have occurred despite an agreement made by all candidates in September to follow specific campaign guidelines.

The documented offences include 18 cases of defamatory or insulting statements constituting incitement to hatred and 13 instances of holding rallies past the stipulated 6 p.m. cutoff. Kyagulanyi also faces allegations of inciting public disorder, unlawful assembly and the disobedience of lawful orders.

The commission cited specific safety concerns, including a road crash on the Kalagi-Kayunga road involving his convoy that injured six people. The letter also referenced an incident in Mayuge where supporters allegedly assaulted a police officer and damaged a police vehicle.

Dismissed prison officer Lawrence Ampe joins the National Unity Platform to protest bad governance, sparking debate over political activity among Uganda's security personnel.

Dismissed prison officer Lawrence Ampe joins the National Unity Platform to protest bad governance, sparking debate over political activity among Uganda’s security personnel.

“Failure to adhere to the guidelines, the commission will be left with no option other than taking firm action against you in accordance with the law,” Byabakama wrote.

Kyagulanyi is further accused of making remarks intended to bring President Yoweri Museveni’s candidature into disrepute and claiming the government is hostile toward the Muslim community.

The commission also issued a broader warning to all presidential candidates against encouraging supporters to gather at polling stations to “protect the vote.” Byabakama noted that every candidate is permitted two agents at each station for oversight and that large crowds could lead to violence or compromise the secrecy of the ballot.

David Lewis Rubongoya, the secretary-general of the National Unity Platform, said the party would respond once it has formally received the letter.

Legal experts have raised concerns about the commission’s approach. Constitutional lawyer Peter Walubiri noted that the commission lacks the jurisdiction to determine defamation and suggested that traffic or criminal violations should be handled by the police rather than the electoral body.