Bobi Wine Insists on Vote Protection at Polling Stations

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has reiterated his call for voters to remain near polling stations after casting their ballots in the January 15, 2026 General Election, saying the move is intended to protect votes from rigging.

Addressing supporters at St John Bosco Primary School Playground in Katende, Mpigi District, at the weekend, Bobi Wine said the presence of voters around polling stations would benefit all candidates across the political divide and questioned why some key actors in the electoral process oppose the idea.

“I insist that my votes were rigged during the 2021 General Election. Gen Museveni also claims his votes were stolen. If all of us don’t trust the Electoral Commission, let voters remain near polling stations after voting to protect the votes,” he said.

Since the start of campaign rallies in late September, Bobi Wine has consistently urged his supporters to stay around polling centres to observe proceedings. He says the strategy is meant to deter electoral malpractice, which he and other opposition leaders claim has marred past elections.

President Museveni, 81, who is seeking to extend his rule beyond four decades, has also previously alleged that NUP stole more than two million votes in the 2021 election, in which he was declared the winner.

In contrast, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), commanded by Gen Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Electoral Commission (EC), chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, have urged voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting on election day.

Opposition politicians, however, argue that the law allows voters to observe what is happening at polling stations from a lawful distance. While addressing another rally at Mitala Maria Playground, Bobi Wine cited Section 32(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005, which he said provides for lawful observation of polling activities.

“We are not asking for any favour. Let those with authority adhere to the law and ensure that this process is respected, free from intimidation or rigging,” he told supporters.

Bobi Wine also warned of a possible internet shutdown during the election period and urged his supporters to prepare alternative ways of communicating.

“They will do this so that you don’t follow what is going on elsewhere, but think about other ways of circumventing this,” he said.

According to Section 31(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, 2010, voters are allowed to remain at least 20 metres away from a polling station after casting their ballots.

Bobi Wine’s call has in recent weeks been echoed by several political commentators and a section of religious leaders, who have questioned the intentions of the Electoral Commission and the military in the management of the electoral process.