Bobi Wine Vows Byelections for Unopposed Seats: Accuses EC of NRM Conspiracy in Uganda Polls

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, head of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has pledged that under his future leadership, fresh byelections will be held in all constituencies where candidates were declared unopposed by the Electoral Commission (EC), restoring voters’ right to choose.

In a fiery press statement on January 11, 2026, Bobi Wine accused the EC of colluding with key ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) figures – including Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Parliament Speaker Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Vice President Jessica Alupo – to eliminate opposition challengers through disqualifications and withdrawals, fearing massive defeats.

“We’ve seen so many opposition candidates removed because the government knows they’re headed for resounding losses,” Bobi Wine told reporters. “In 2021, we defeated ministers, even the Vice President. That’s why figures like the Speaker ensured no contenders stood against them.”

He emphasized that true democracy demands rerunning polls in affected areas: “Once the rule of law is restored, we’ll hold byelections everywhere voters were denied a genuine choice. Ugandans deserve to select their leaders as per the law.”

Meanwhile, the NRM is celebrating at least five parliamentary seats won unopposed, including those of Among (Bukedea Woman MP), Tayebwa (Ruhinda North), and Alupo (Katakwi Woman MP). Critics, however, decry these as undermining electoral integrity, with allegations of abductions and legal loopholes – like the nullification of an opponent’s nomination for Minister Phiona Nyamutoro in Nebbi – skewing the field.

The controversy has sparked international scrutiny ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections, raising questions about fairness in a system dominated by long-standing NRM power players.