UgandaToday: Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Addresses Global Leaders at Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy
“My Voice for Uganda Must Be Heard” — Kyagulanyi’s Appeal on the World Stage
In a compelling video address to the 18th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy on 18th February 2026, former presidential candidate Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, spoke directly to international advocates, diplomats, and human rights defenders about the unfolding political and humanitarian crisis in Uganda.
Speaking from an undisclosed location due to what his team says are serious threats to his safety, Kyagulanyi condemned what he described as systematic human rights abuses and political repression, urging global partners to act decisively.
Accusations of Rights Violations and Call for Targeted Sanctions
Kyagulanyi told delegates that Uganda’s 2026 general elections were marred by widespread irregularities, a claim rejected by the government. He charged President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, alongside senior security and judicial officials, with orchestrating a campaign of intimidation, enforced disappearances, and violence.
With palpable urgency, Kyagulanyi urged the international community to impose targeted sanctions against those he holds responsible for violations, including military and judicial figures. “We are not asking for too much,” he said, according to summit reports, “only that justice is considered for those denied it at home.”
Personal Risks Spotlighted
In a powerful and personal admission, the former presidential candidate revealed that he was addressing the summit while in hiding, having reportedly been pursued by security forces after the elections concluded. He said his wife and children had fled Uganda for their safety, bringing the personal cost of political dissent into stark relief.
Mixed Global Reaction and Diplomatic Stakes
Kyagulanyi’s speech underscores growing international concern about political freedoms in Uganda. While some global actors have previously raised questions about electoral integrity and civic space in the country, his appeal at Geneva amplifies calls for accountability and sustained diplomatic engagement.
However, critics within Uganda’s government have dismissed the calls for sanction, labelling them counterproductive and unpatriotic, with State House officials arguing that the nation is stable and its electoral processes credible.
What’s Next for Uganda’s Democratic Struggle
The 2026 Geneva Summit brought together activists, former political prisoners, and global voices committed to defending human dignity and democratic norms. Kyagulanyi’s address — his second to the summit — places Uganda’s contested elections and human rights situation firmly on the international agenda, even as domestic political tensions simmer.
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