Kyagulanyi says safeguarding electoral outcomes is collective responsibility for political parties

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has renewed his call for all political parties to actively protect their votes at polling stations, insisting that safeguarding electoral outcomes is a collective responsibility that goes beyond party lines.

Kyagulanyi made the remarks on New Year's Day while responding to questions about a new digital communication strategy his party is encouraging supporters to adopt ahead of the 2026 General Election, amid fears of Internet shutdowns similar to those experienced in 2021.

Addressing concerns about whether the strategy is limited to the presidential race, Kyagulanyi said it is intended for all electoral levels, including parliamentary and local government contests.

The strategy is anchored on an app called Bitchat, which can work via Bluetooth and does not require the Internet for one smartphone user to communicate with another. 

“This is not only for the presidential election. It is for all levels—presidential, parliamentary and others,” Kyagulanyi said while speaking at the party's headquarters at Makerere Kavule. 

“We are only advising Ugandans to find alternative means of communication and to get accustomed to what is available.”

He stressed that the initiative is not exclusive to NUP supporters, urging members of other political parties, including the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), to embrace tools that promote transparency and accountability.

“It is not ours alone. We even encourage NRM people to use it because we want people to defend their victory,” he said. “Please stay behind, observe the election and protect your candidates’ votes.”

Kyagulanyi said the call to protect the vote is anchored in the broader demand for free and fair elections, noting that transparency can only be guaranteed if citizens take an active role in monitoring the electoral process.

“All we want is a free and fair election. We want transparency,” he said.

Responding to questions about how the new approach differs from vote-protection efforts used in 2021, Kyagulanyi said the Opposition has been forced to adapt to an increasingly restrictive political environment.

Kyagulanyi recalled that while the government initially only shut down social media platforms in previous elections, the 2021 polls saw a complete Internet blackout.

He added that the alternative communication platforms are just one of several options the Opposition is considering to ensure citizens remain connected and informed during the electoral period.

During the event, Kyagulanyi also wished Ugandans a happy New Year and expressed hope for political change.

“On my behalf and on behalf of the National Unity Platform, I wish you a happy New Year 2026 and a happy new Uganda,” he said.