UgandaToday: NUP Alleges Coercion of Defectors Paraded at Museveni Rallies
By Uganda Today Reporter
Kampala, Uganda —
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and state security agencies of engaging in systematic arm-twisting, coercion and inducement of opposition candidates, following a wave of defections that have been publicly showcased at President Yoweri Museveni’s recent political rallies.
The allegations were detailed by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who insists that several so-called “defectors” were forced to renounce their candidature under duress after arrest and prolonged detention.
Arrest and Detention of NUP Candidates
Kyagulanyi highlighted the case of two women who had been duly nominated as NUP candidates in Rwampara District. According to his account, the two were violently arrested in Mbarara on November 7 alongside 36 other NUP supporters. They were charged with obstruction of a police officer and remanded to prison, despite their status as officially nominated parliamentary candidates.
Alleged Prison-Based Coercion
Kyagulanyi alleges that while in detention, the two candidates were approached by individuals he described as regime operatives, who presented them with a stark ultimatum.
“They were told that in order to secure their release from prison, they had to withdraw their candidature and publicly denounce me and the National Unity Platform,” he stated.
Secret Removal and Public Parade at Rallies
One of the candidates, identified as Jean Muyambi, was allegedly removed from prison without the knowledge of NUP lawyers and later resurfaced at a President Museveni rally, where she was presented as a defector.
Kyagulanyi described the move as a clandestine operation designed to manufacture the image of voluntary defection while concealing the coercive circumstances behind it.
Resistance, Prolonged Detention and Eventual Capitulation
The second candidate, Kiconco, reportedly refused to comply initially and opted to remain in prison, even after several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail. However, after prolonged incarceration, Kyagulanyi claims she eventually “gave in” and was similarly smuggled out of prison.
Allegations Against Senior Government Officials
According to the NUP leader, Kiconco was subsequently taken to meet Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, whom he accused of personally coordinating efforts to persuade opposition candidates to abandon their campaigns. Kyagulanyi alleged that Tayebwa has taken it upon himself to approach NUP candidates across the country, offering money and other inducements in exchange for withdrawal from the race.
Others Still Behind Bars
Despite the alleged releases of the two women, Kyagulanyi noted that 36 other detainees, including two more nominated NUP candidates who have refused to defect, remain incarcerated. “This selective freedom exposes the transactional nature of the arrests,” he argued.
Judiciary Under Scrutiny
Kyagulanyi further accused the judiciary of complicity, suggesting that selective denial of bail and prolonged remand are being used as political tools to pressure opposition figures. “You can clearly see that the judiciary is complicit in this criminality,” he said, warning that such practices undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
Call for Political Resistance
As the country edges closer to the 2026 general elections, Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to respond through peaceful but decisive political action. “We can use the #ProtestVote2026 to open a new chapter,” he said, framing the upcoming elections as a referendum on repression, justice and democratic accountability.
Government Yet to Respond
By press time, neither the ruling NRM, security agencies nor the Office of the Deputy Speaker had issued an official response to the specific allegations raised by the NUP president.
Government officials have previously dismissed claims of coercion, maintaining that defections from opposition parties are voluntary and driven by personal political conviction.
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