Byanyima Slams NRM over Increasingly Violent Elections

Engineer Winnie Byanyima, wife of detained opposition figure Dr Kiiza Besigye, has called on Ugandans to unite behind the national flag, reject political violence, and safeguard the vote ahead of the 2026 elections.

Addressing sections of political leaders at her residence after prayers, Byanyima thanked them for standing together in this extreme violation of human rights. Byanyima condemned the escalation of repression in Uganda, describing the election period as a cycle of violence.

“What kind of election is this? Someone has to be beaten, someone is abducted, someone may get killed, others are thrown in prison, and then the next rally, rally after rally,  is violence,” she said. “That is not strength. That is a weakness. That is cowardice,” she said.

“We must reject the violence. We must insist on peaceful, fair elections. Let us stand together, speak with one voice, and ensure our country’s future is determined by Ugandans, not by fear.” 

Commenting on the NRM and violence, Byanyima says it was not that repressive before Besigye broke away from it. “Repression has been growing and growing. One election after another,” she said 

Byanyima singled out the current government’s violent tactics at campaign rallies, noting that “someone has to be beaten, someone is abducted, someone may get killed, others are thrown in prison, and then the next rally — rally after rally — is violence.” 

She emphasised that true strength lies not in coercion or brutality, but in unity and peaceful civic action. “ It is violence, and they are waiting to declare the results. What kind of victory is that ?” she asked.

“When you lock up your opponent, Kiiza Besigye, when you hound your other opponent, imprison his supporters. That is not a strength. That is a weakness. That is a weakness. That is cowardice,” She added.

Byanyima urged Ugandans to view the elections as a collective stand against oppression. “This is not an election. This is a stand,” she said, echoing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

“We take a stand against a dictator, a brutal, forceful dictator. And in that, we all must stand together as Ugandans. Let us speak with one voice and reject a stolen victory.” 

She also called on opposition parties to mobilise volunteers to protect voters on election day. “Put your people to protect the presidential candidate who is winning. That is him. Bring your people, and let them guard the vote,” she urged, naming Kyagulanyi as the candidate. 

She praised NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, for uniting citizens under the Uganda flag throughout his campaigns.   

“You have disarmed that man who thinks he’s so powerful. You’ve taken the flag and said, don’t carry my picture, carry the Uganda flag. We are one behind the flag,” she said, referring to President Museveni.   Byanyima criticised what she called the government’s hypocrisy: “I thought he was a patriot. The patriot telling people, don’t touch the flag? The patriot is going to the printeries to close them, not to print more flags?”

The police have, in the past weeks, warned NUP supporters that they risk being arrested for “abusing the Uganda flag while participating in his rallies. 

In a rare stance, Byanyima picked a bundle of cash wrapped in a newspaper and handed it to the NUP candidate to help him with the last mile of the campaign. She said the money was raised by Dr Kiiza Besigye. She said that while Besigye is in jail and not working, the unspecified amount of money was from fundraising from friends. 

The irony was that Robert Kyagulayni Ssenatmu and his wife had come along with some money to give to the wife of a prisoner. At the prayer, the wives and relatives of jailed NUP supporters came up one by one, stating how long their husbands and relatives have been in detention without trial, and on being granted mandatory bail. 

While Kyagulanyi said he personally gets hurt whenever he comes face to face with the victims of state brutality, he expressed gratitude to the families of political prisoners for their resilience.   “Thank you for not making us feel guilty for the disappearance of your loved ones and the incarceration,” he said. 

He described Besigye as “a very honourable person…who invited me for tea once, and following the conversations we had, here we are,” highlighting the influence of Besigye on his political journey. The NUP leader reflected on his own house arrest during the campaign.

“What affects one directly affects all of us indirectly. Therefore, we must continuously stand together to fight this,” Kyagulanyi said.   He emphasised the need for opposition leaders and citizens to present a united front. “It is very important that we speak with one voice, because when we do, we have the moral authority to demand justice.” 

Reverend Bob Musamali, a staunch supporter of Besigye and a human rights advocate, added a spiritual dimension to the message. “Change is inevitable. If you don’t change, change will do what? Change you,” he said.   Musamali recounted visits to prisoners and decried the treatment of religious leaders and activists, stressing that “we are the voice of the voiceless.” 

He praised the voluntary mobilisation of ordinary citizens who followed opposition campaigns out of conviction. “I see people running miles to see who this chaplain is to save Ugandans. You are God’s chosen to save Ugandans,” he told the crowd. 

Musamali called for continued prayer and perseverance, asserting that divine favour would support those advocating for justice and human rights. 

The gathering highlighted the shared vision of opposition leaders to resist political intimidation, protect the vote, and uphold democratic principles. Byanyima, Kyagulanyi, and Musamali all stressed that the upcoming elections should reflect the will of the people, not the coercion of the state.