Ssemakadde urges Bobi Wine to regroup after 2026 election loss

Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde has urged Bobi Wine to reorganize and broaden his appeal after the 2026 presidential elections, as uncertainty surrounds the opposition leader’s whereabouts.

A photo combo of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (L) and ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde (Photo/DailyExpress)

Kampala, Uganda: The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde, has advised the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, to reorganize, broaden his political base and reflect deeply following the recently concluded presidential elections amid growing public concern over Kyagulanyi’s whereabouts.

In a statement dated January 22, 2026, Ssemakadde told Kyagulanyi to “take heart” and use the moment to reassess strategy after the electoral setback, calling for discipline, intellectual openness and a wider national appeal.

“Reorganize with renewed focus: build a stronger, more disciplined team, refine your messaging, and mobilize grassroots support more effectively,” Ssemakadde wrote, while cautioning against what he termed “exhibitionism” and “anti-intellectualism” that distract from long-term political goals.

The statement emerged as uncertainty surrounded Kyagulanyi’s public movements following the declaration of final presidential results and a heavy post-election security presence around key opposition figures.

The official results released last week by the Electoral Commission saw incumbent President Yoweri Museveni declared winner of the January 2026 presidential election after polling over 7.6 million votes, representing 71.6 per cent of the valid vote.

Kyagulanyi, a two-time runner for the country’s most-coveted seat, finished second with about 2.74 million votes, translating to 24.5 per cent, a decline compared to his 2021 performance, which pitted him to over 38%. Other candidates shared the remaining percentage.

Opposition parties, however, raised concerns over deployment of security forces, access to polling agents, campaign disruptions and the broader electoral environment—claims government and security agencies have repeatedly rejected.

Post-election tension and silence

Following the announcement of results, a noticeable lull surrounded Kyagulanyi’s public appearances, fuelling speculation among supporters and civil society groups. NUP officials said the party leader was “safe,” while avoiding detailed disclosure of his movements, citing security considerations.

It is within this climate that Ssemakadde’s message gained traction, interpreted by many as both a show of solidarity and a pointed critique of opposition strategy. “Broaden the umbrella: welcome all Ugandans—youth, elders, urban, rural, across tribes and faiths,” the radical Bar leader urged, emphasizing unity and home-grown political grounding over external validation.

Ssemakadde further advised Kyagulanyi to embrace experts and diverse ideas to sharpen his political vision, arguing that sustainable change requires ideological depth and institutional discipline.

Mixed reactions

Ssemakadde’s statement has drawn mixed reactions across the political divide. Some opposition supporters welcomed it as honest reflection from a prominent legal voice, while others questioned its tone and timing amid heightened political tension.

Government-leaning commentators described the message as evidence of internal reckoning within the opposition following a decisive defeat at the polls.

As of publication, neither Kyagulanyi nor NUP had issued a formal response to Ssemakadde’s statement, but party officials continued to call for calm among supporters while reviewing their post-election position.