Kyagulanyi Promises Bukedea By-Election

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has promised a by-election for the Bukedea Woman MP seat once he defeats President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 general election.

Kyagulanyi made the pledge following the controversial blocking of three aspirants from being nominated for the Bukedea Woman MP race, a move that critics claim was engineered by security agencies and the Electoral Commission to give the incumbent, Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among, an unchallenged path back to Parliament.

Kyagulanyi addressed a massive crowd on Saturday at Kongunga Primary School playgrounds in Bukedea District as part of his nationwide campaign tour.

“This is our candidate, Mercy Marion Alupo. But because Anita Among is scared—just like Museveni is scared—they made sure to remove her from the register,” Kyagulanyi said.

“Tell Anita Among that after we remove Museveni, there will be a by-election in Bukedea.” He accused the ruling elite of monopolising public resources at the expense of ordinary citizens.

“Are we going to have champagne for a few people or clean drinking water for everyone? Are we going to allow one person to hoard wealth meant for millions, or are we going to invest that money in schools and hospitals?” he asked.

Kyagulanyi urged residents to seize what he described as a historic opportunity to end decades of poor leadership. “For 40 years, we have suffered from bad leadership and poor service delivery. We now have a chance to change that. But we cannot get to the promised land unless we work together,” he said.

He further accused the government of deliberately blocking opposition leaders from accessing voters. “They try to stop us because they know that when we reach you, your eyes and minds open,” Kyagulanyi said, likening President Museveni’s leadership to colonial-era tactics.

He also criticised Museveni’s repeated promises to compensate communities in Teso for stolen cattle. “Every five years, Museveni promises to return your cows. Decades later, nothing has happened. Now he says he will give five cows to everyone if you vote for him. If he wants votes, let him first bring the cows now,” Kyagulanyi said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Kyagulanyi reminded residents that last year he signed a memorandum of understanding with Teso elders, committing to fast and fair compensation for all claimants.

“We want a new Uganda—where everyone is equal before the law, where jobs are not given based on tribe or religion, and where corruption has no place,” he said. Mercy Marion Alupo, the blocked aspirant for Bukedea Woman MP, urged young people to reject intimidation and support change.

“Bukedea belongs to us, the young generation. How long shall we accept being denied our rights? Support Kyagulanyi and vote for change so that peace and justice return to Bukedea,” she said.

Julius Ocen, the NUP candidate for Kapelebyong County, told residents that Kyagulanyi represents hope for communities that have long been ignored. “A leader ready to serve all Ugandans is here. Give him your vote so that the cries of Bukedea are finally answered,” Ocen said. Isaac Ogwang, a resident of Bukedea, said Kyagulanyi’s message resonated with many who feel marginalised.

“For years we have been intimidated and denied our rights. This message gives us hope. Imagine not voting for ten years because someone fears competition—that is unacceptable,” Ogwang said.

As Kyagulanyi concluded his address, he reiterated his vision of a united Uganda founded on justice, equality, and accountable leadership—an appeal that drew sustained applause from the crowd.