KAMPALA UGANDA, 17 January 2026: Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi has rejected the results from presidential elections held this week in Uganda, citing election fraud and gross violations.
In a social media post on Saturday, the two time presidential candidate reiterated his complete rejection of what he described as “fake election results” announced by EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama. On Saturday, Byabakama declared the incumbent Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, the winner with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the total valid votes cast, thereby extending his leadership to a seventh term in office.
According to the EC, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, came second with 2,741,238 votes, accounting for 24.72 percent. Other presidential candidates trailed in the following order based on the number of votes obtained. Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) finished third with 209,039 votes, equivalent to 1.88 percent.
In response to the results, Kyagulanyi cited alleged ballot stuffing, military interference in the electoral process, detention of opposition leaders and polling officials, and other electoral offences, insisting that the declared results lacked legitimacy.
Kyagulanyi also condemned the killing of citizens who attempted to peacefully protest the election outcome, asserting that Ugandans have a constitutional right to demonstrate in defence of their sovereignty.
He accused security forces of targeting National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates nationwide, claiming that some candidates were denied victory despite possessing conclusive evidence of electoral success.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday afternoon, Kyagulanyi detailed alleged acts of “intimidation and repression” targeting him and opposition supporters, following the polls on Thursday.
He described a late-night raid on his home in Magere, claiming that military and police forces cut electricity, disabled CCTV cameras, and deployed helicopters over the area.
Kyagulanyi said he managed to escape, while his wife and other family members remained under what he described as house arrest.
Kyagulanyi stated that he was forced into hiding, alleging that security forces were searching for him nationwide. He attributed public confusion over his whereabouts to a nationwide internet shutdown and the heavy security presence around his home, which he said led neighbours to believe he had been abducted.
Police, however, denied claims that Kyagulanyi was under arrest. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke stated that Kyagulanyi was free to leave his residence, although access to the premises was restricted. According to him, the controlled access was intended to prevent the property from being used to incite violence.
“It should not surprise you when we have a pickup or two near the residence of Kyagulanyi,” Rusoke said, addressing the press earlier today.
It is not clear if Kyagulanyi intends to challenge the results in courts of law as it was the case the first time he contested in 2021.
