Centuries ago, Niccolò Machiavelli warned in The Prince that rulers who govern through personal power must constantly prevent subordinate centers of influence from becoming independent poles of attraction. In modern political science, this is understood as the core logic of competitive authorita
section of politicians who were blocked from contesting in Bukedea District have accused outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among of orchestrating intimidation, electoral manipulation, and abuse of state institutions, demanding that she apologise to the people of Teso.The aggrieved polit
Independence means the right to make our own mistakes if necessary and learn from themPresident Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has moved to de-escalate growing public anxiety over the proposed Sovereignty Bill, dismissing claims that the legislation aims to stifle foreign investment or block finan
Bobi Wine has said NUP is for dialogue but not transactional dialogueNational Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has declared that he is open to dialogue amid growing reports of behind-the-scenes engagements between his party and the Ugandan gov
The presidential race was widely viewed as a two-horse contest between Museveni and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), but the semblance of openness was tempered by the heavy policing of the political field.COMMENT | DR JUDE KAGORO | The 2026 general election in Uganda followed a familiar patt
Political and business strategist Ronald Egesa says Uganda's democratic institutions have steadily lost their authority, with Parliament reduced to a ceremonial body operating under overwhelming executive control.Egesa argues that the prolonged consolidation of power in the presidency has
Drama unfolded in Mukono on Friday after the district returning officer declared two LC5 chairpersons in one day, triggering allegations of coercion, ballot stuffing, and military intimidation.In the heated Mukono Poll Drama: Two Chairpersons; NRM's Francis Lukooya Mukoome (L) and NUP's Jo
As Uganda heads into the January 15, 2026 general elections, a worrying trend has taken shape across the political landscape: a growing number of opposition and independent candidates are withdrawing from races at both parliamentary and local government levels. While the spotlight has largely bee
Police officers at the entrance to National Unity Platform headquarters in Kampala in 2021. Photo by Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty ImagesUganda’s police have long faced criticism for politically charged interventions. These include episodes in which lethal force has been used in ways tha
Research shows Uganda’s police operate as a pillar of the ruling NRM, shaping campaigns, suppressing opposition and mobilising youth ahead of the 2026 elections, raising concerns over partisan policing.How Uganda’s police became Museveni’s political weapon ahead of the 2026 elections
