Why Kyagulanyi is calling for inter-party vote protection in 2026 General Election

_______________

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu has called for inter-party co-operation in protecting votes ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Election.

The presidential candidate says the approach would help curb electoral fraud, promote peace, and safeguard the credibility of the polls.

Kyagulanyi adds that although the Electoral Commission (EC) is the legally mandated body responsible for conducting elections, joint efforts by political parties to protect votes would add an extra layer of confidence in the final outcome.

He was speaking in Buikwe's Njeru municipality on November 25, 2025, while launching his campaign in the District.

Kyagulanyi, who is running for president for the second time after securing 35 per cent of the vote in the 2021 election against eventual winner President Yoweri Museveni, who garnered 58 percent, did not explain how the proposed inter-party vote protection mechanism would operate.

However, he repeatedly urged his supporters to remain vigilant throughout the voting process, including staying at polling stations—an approach the Electoral Commission has previously discouraged.

His remarks come amid recurring allegations of voter fraud from both Opposition parties and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Last year, President Museveni said over a million votes were irregularly handled during the 2021 elections.

“We must move beyond party lines when it comes to protecting the vote, because any fraudulent act affects all of us. Let every one of us remain vigilant,” Kyagulanyi said while addressing supporters at Nakakumbi Playgrounds.

A multitude of promises

Kyagulanyi also pledged to address declining sugarcane prices, saying his government would ensure that more Ugandans take charge of key sectors of the economy. He noted that despite the sugar manufacturing sector thriving and Uganda exporting tonnes of sugar, ordinary farmers continue to earn little because cane prices are largely determined by a few players, most of whom he said are foreigners.

“Under our government, we shall ensure that farmers have a say and that sugarcane growing becomes profitable again,” he said while campaigning at Kasoga Playground, the venue of his second rally.

He told supporters that the struggle to build a “New Uganda” was a collective responsibility, urging them to play an active role beyond voting.

“Everyone here should become a Kyagulanyi. Don’t stop at voting for Kyagulanyi. Anyone who comes on the umbrella is the one you should vote for, because that is the candidate we have sent,” he said, calling on supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts.

During the rallies, the NUP candidate also called on the Electoral Commission to ensure that all presidential candidates are allowed to freely access their supporters, complaining about what he described as undue restrictions on his campaign activities.

Kyagulanyi criticised the continued use of teargas against his supporters, arguing that such actions are unjustified given that he is a fully nominated presidential candidate. He said despite these challenges, he remains determined to reach every corner of the country to spread his message of a New Uganda.

For the second consecutive day, Kyagulanyi’s campaign was disrupted by road blockades and teargas. He noted that Police justified similar actions during the 2021 election period under the guise of enforcing COVID-19 restrictions, but questioned why similar tactics are being employed despite the absence of the pandemic.

“What we are doing as NUP does not break any law,” he said, urging the Electoral Commission to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism, and adding that public confidence in elections depends on transparency and equal enforcement of the law.

He also defended the adoption of the Uganda flag theme in his campaign, insisting that neither he nor his supporters are breaking any law.

Police's stand

However, whenever there have been clashes between Police officers and NUP supporters, the Force has condemned what it described as acts of hooliganism by supporters of Kyagulanyi. Among the recent clashes was as on November 24 in Kampala city.

During his campaign activities in Kawempe, seven security personnel were seriously injured in the clashes, Police said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear how many civilians were injured.

In the statement issued on Monday, Police said Kyagulanyi’s campaign had been preceded by a coordination meeting between Police, the Electoral Commission, and the candidate’s organising team to agree on venues and routes.

“While at the NUP headquarters, security officers were attacked with stones, an act of violence that was repeated at Bwaise Roundabout and at the campaign venue,” the statement said.

Police also sustained damage to their vehicles, including an ambulance that was vandalised, according to the statement.

Police said the force “strongly condemns the hooliganism displayed today” and warned that similar behaviour would be met with firm action to ensure campaigns remain peaceful.