Bobi Wine. Photo/Courtesy
Scholar and activist Stella Nyanzi has raised sharp questions about the opposition’s mobilisation strategy following President Yoweri Museveni’s declaration as winner of Uganda’s Thursday elections.
In a statement issued after the results were announced on Saturday, Nyanzi said her critique of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was captured in an article published this week by German newspaper Tagesspiegel.
While acknowledging that the analysis appeared in German, Nyanzi said the core concerns were directed at Uganda’s opposition strategy before, during, and after the polls.
Nyanzi questioned why opposition leaders mobilised large numbers of young people primarily to participate in what she described as a “sham” and “rigged” election, without clear planning for the aftermath.
She argued that mass mobilisation, in the absence of a credible electoral process, exposed supporters to state violence without adequate safeguards.
She further asked what preparations had been made for post-election mass action once what she termed “fabricated results” were announced.
According to Nyanzi, such planning is critical in an environment where elections are routinely disputed and security crackdowns are expected.
The activist also raised concerns about the welfare of opposition supporters, demanding clarity on legal representation, medical assistance, and evacuation mechanisms for those arrested, injured, or forced to flee.
She said the lack of visible structures to support victims of repression remained a major weakness.
Museveni’s victory has been rejected by sections of the opposition, who allege widespread irregularities.
The government, however, maintains that the elections were free and fair, dismissing criticism from activists and opposition figures as unfounded.