By Ben Musanje
Stella Birah Nambuya, the President of the political alliance Deliberate Vote, has sharply criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, accusing him of engaging in “double standards” throughout the ongoing election campaign.
Speaking to journalists at Namugo House on Friday, Nambuya, who leads an alliance of nine political parties without a presidential candidate, expressed strong discontent with Bobi Wine’s handling of security matters and his public portrayal of Uganda’s electoral process.
A key point of contention was Bobi Wine’s use of a bulletproof vest, which has sparked widespread debate in recent weeks. Nambuya questioned the rationale behind providing him with such protective gear, implying that it was politically motivated. She suggested that the move appeared to exaggerate security concerns for political gain, and questioned why it was being presented as a threat to national peace despite the government’s efforts to ensure public safety.
Nambuya went further to accuse some political figures, including Bobi Wine, of manipulating security issues to garner sympathy from the public. She stated that politicians often engage in double standards, noting that some might even pay the police to assault them in a bid to create the illusion of persecution. She argued that such tactics did not benefit the country and only served to fuel division.
The leader of Deliberate Vote also pointed out what she saw as contradictions in Bobi Wine’s rhetoric. Despite the opposition leader’s frequent criticisms of the government’s handling of security, Nambuya contended that, in comparison to past elections, the current political climate had been relatively calm. She acknowledged that there had been no incidents of violence such as burning cars or tires, and that the campaigns had largely remained peaceful. Nambuya commended both the police and the military for their role in maintaining order throughout the campaign period.
Bobi Wine, who has worn a black bulletproof vest and helmet during his campaigns in both 2021 and 2026 for safety reasons, has consistently maintained that he fears for his life, citing intelligence reports suggesting potential threats against him and his team. In December 2025, he explicitly conveyed to his supporters that he wore the protective gear because of his fear for his safety.
Nambuya, however, dismissed claims that security forces were obstructing the movement of political candidates, instead emphasizing that the current security strategy had helped maintain public safety. She noted that businesses were still operating, with shops open and roads clear, allowing candidates to reach voters in villages without any disruption.
Further criticizing Bobi Wine and other opposition figures, Nambuya urged the Electoral Commission to take a strong stance on post-election conduct, particularly ensuring that voters left polling stations promptly. She cautioned that security forces should not be manipulated by political figures attempting to create disorder for their own benefit.
Looking ahead, Nambuya stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation once the election results were announced. She emphasized that dialogue among all parties would be essential for Uganda’s peaceful progression. She expressed confidence that the country was on a positive path but insisted that cooperation and understanding, rather than division, would be crucial for a successful future.
Nambuya’s comments come at a critical juncture in Uganda’s election campaign, as tensions continue to rise in the final stretch before voters head to the polls. Both local and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, adding to the sense of heightened scrutiny.
Deliberate Vote alliance comprises of political parties include Republican Women and Youth Party (RWYP), Activist Party (AP), Congress Services Volunteers (COSEVO), Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT), Forum for Integrity in Leadership (FIL), People’s Development Party (PDP), Society for Peace and Development (SPD), Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), and National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED). (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
