Tensions Rise in Uganda as Museveni Warns Opponent and Police Block Campaign
KAMPLALA, Uganda – Political friction intensified in Uganda this week as President Yoweri Museveni issued a stark warning against destabilization efforts, while police and military forces repeatedly blocked the campaign convoy of his main political rival, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
The exchange, unfolding amid the early stages of the 2026 election cycle, highlights the deepening rift between the long-ruling government and the opposition.
Museveni’s “120 Bullets” Remark
The flare-up began with comments from President Museveni during an event in Kisozi on December 17. He directly criticized Kyagulanyi’s assessment of the country’s security apparatus.
“Don’t listen to Kyagulanyi; his comments lack foresight,” Museveni stated. “His claim that there are not enough soldiers to match rioters is misguided. One soldier carries 120 bullets… do the math. Uganda cannot be destabilized, and anyone who attempts it will live to regret it.”
The president’s remarks, shared on social media by the Daily Monitor, were framed as a defense of national stability but were quickly condemned as threatening by the opposition.
Bobi Wine’s Response and Accusations
Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), fired back in a series of online posts. He denied advocating for violence and reframed the issue as one of constitutional rights and electoral integrity.
“Here is Dictator Museveni, yet again preparing to massacre Ugandans,” Kyagulanyi wrote. “We have never called upon our people to riot. Our call is for people to peacefully protest – a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 29 of our Constitution.”
He argued that the call for protest is conditional on the government ensuring a fair electoral process. “Already, you’re rigging the election by stopping us from campaigning, blocking us from accessing radio stations, abducting and illegally arresting our campaigners,” he alleged.
Responding to Museveni’s mention of bullets, Kyagulanyi said, “That you talk about 120 bullets per soldier shows what a murderous regime you lead… You cannot kill all Ugandans. The people of Uganda will have the final say.”
Campaign Convoy Blocked
The war of words followed a day of tangible confrontations on the ground. On December 17, Kyagulanyi’s campaign convoy was stopped multiple times by police and military personnel in eastern Uganda.
Authorities first obstructed the convoy in the Amucu swamp area and later near Soroti city. Police stated the stoppages were due to the campaign deviating from approved venues in Katakwi and Kapelebyong districts and violating a 6 p.m. campaign curfew.
The situation escalated when the campaign team, blocked from their booked accommodation in Amuria District, attempted to secure alternative lodging in Soroti. They were again blocked in Otuchopi.
“We don’t know what they’re planning now,” Kyagulanyi posted, “but as I recently informed the world, we are aware that the Museveni regime plans to assassinate me before voting day!”
The convoy eventually found alternative rest for the night, with no official reports of injuries.
Electoral Context
The incidents occur over a year before the scheduled 2026 general elections, where Museveni, in power since 1986, is expected to seek another term. Kyagulanyi, a former musician and MP, was the main challenger in the 2021 election, which was marred by widespread allegations of fraud and pre-election violence.
International observers and human rights groups have frequently raised concerns about the shrinking political space and repression of opposition figures in Uganda.
As the campaign season begins, the clash of rhetoric and the restrictions on movement suggest a turbulent and highly contested path to the polls.
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