The National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, campaigned in Kasese District on Friday, December 12, 2025, and said he does not trust Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama to deliver a free and fair election.
Speaking at Nyakasanga playground in Kasese town, Kyagulanyi told supporters that the responsibility now lies with Ugandans to defend their vote and decide their future.
“We do not trust Byabakama. Museveni uses the police boss Abas Byakagaba and the Electoral Commission to rig elections. But the future is in your hands. The Presidential Elections Act says that after voting, a Ugandan can stay at least 20 meters from the polling station. After voting, do not go away,” Kyagulanyi said.
He urged his supporters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots to ensure transparency.
“After voting, please stay behind. Keep your phones on and record what is happening from a distance. Make sure no one tampers with our vote,” he added.
Kyagulanyi praised the people of Kasese for their courage despite years of intimidation and violent incidents involving security forces.
“Basoga, Baganda, and people from Northern Uganda never give up because Kasese has shown us resilience. Thank you for not giving up,” he said.
He argued that based on past actions by the government in Kasese, it would be difficult for any informed voter in the district to support President Museveni.
In 2016, Kasese experienced one of the deadliest clashes in recent history. On November 26, violence in several sub-counties and at the Rwenzururu Kingdom offices left at least 55 people dead, including police officers, civilians, and royal guards. A day later, security forces stormed the palace of King Charles Wesley Mumbere, leading to more than 100 deaths, including children. The king was arrested and many of his subjects were later charged in court.
Kasese is known for its unpredictable voting patterns, sometimes strongly supporting the opposition and at other times voting for the ruling NRM.
 president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, campaigned in Kasese District on Friday, December 12, 2025, and said he does not trust Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama to deliver a free and fair election.){kind=link}