Uganda’s Opposition Cries Foul Over Unequal Access to Public Advertising Spaces
A growing controversy over political campaigning fairness has emerged in Uganda after the National Unity Platform (NUP) publicly accused authorities of applying “sickening double standards” in allowing access to key public advertising spaces.
In a post on X, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya revealed that the party had formally written to the Civil Aviation Authority requesting permission to display campaign posters for their presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), at the country’s main airport. To date, they have received no response.
The party made a similar request to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), asking to decorate roundabouts in the capital with NUP colors and posters—a practice commonly employed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). That request also remains unanswered.
“We do this, not expecting any miracles, but because we always want to be on record about all this abuse of power,” Rubongoya stated.
The complaint gained wider attention when journalist Larry Madowo highlighted the visible disparity at Entebbe International Airport. Alongside a photo of a large campaign banner for President Yoweri Museveni—who is seeking to extend his 40-year rule—Madowo noted, “His campaign posters are all over Uganda’s main airport but not Bobi Wine or other candidates.”
The banner in question shows Museveni with the slogan “PROTECTING THE GAINS” and calls to “MAKE A QUALITATIVE LEAP INTO HIGH MIDDLE INCOME STATUS.”
The issue touches on a recurring tension in Ugandan politics: the use of state resources and public infrastructure for partisan campaigning. Opposition groups have long argued that the playing field is uneven, with the ruling party enjoying dominant visibility in shared civic spaces.
As of now, neither the Civil Aviation Authority nor KCCA has publicly responded to the allegations or the pending requests. The situation continues to draw significant public engagement online, with Madowo’s post alone amassing over 178,000 views and thousands of interactions.
The standoff underscores broader concerns about electoral fairness and freedom of expression as Uganda moves deeper into its campaign season.
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