By Our Reporter 

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has once again taken aim at Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, accusing her of using state institutions to intimidate and silence political opponents in Bukedea District ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In a strongly worded post on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Bobi Wine claimed that the Electoral Commission (EC) and the courts had been manipulated to unlawfully remove opposition candidates from the voters’ register, effectively barring them from contesting against Among.

“Anita Among, using the Electoral Commission and the Courts, recently had the NUP candidate, the FDC candidate and an independent candidate removed from the Voters' Register in order to block them from running against her in Bukedea,” Kyagulanyi wrote.

“None of those candidates were ever invited for any tribunal hearing until they were informed that the Parish Tribunal had decided to remove them from the register.”

The NUP leader described the move as a “blatant abuse of democratic institutions”, adding that his party has already filed a court case challenging what he termed as politically motivated interference in Bukedea’s electoral process.

NUP Unveils New Candidate

Amid the controversy, Bobi Wine tpday announced that Asio Florence has been unveiled as the new NUP flag bearer for the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament seat, replacing Mercy Marion Alupo, whose name was deleted from the voters’ register under unclear circumstances.

“We hope that Among will not shamelessly seek to block her as well,” Bobi Wine added. “The people of Bukedea now have an opportunity to choose between an internationally sanctioned thief of public funds and a young, vibrant leader who will speak for them.”

Asio’s unveiling took place on Monday in Kibale during a press conference led by Kyagulanyi. The event was attended by several senior party officials, including the affected aspirant Mercy Marion Alupo, who formally handed over the NUP flag to Asio Florence.

Asio Florence Pledges to Carry On the Struggle

In her maiden address, Asio Florence thanked God and the people of Bukedea for their courage and resilience amid what she called “systematic political frustration.”

“I am not worried, and I am very strong,” she said. “We shall stand together until the fight is over. This is not just about me, but about every woman, every youth, and every farmer who deserves to choose leaders without fear.”

Asio vowed to traverse the district, mobilizing support and urging citizens to reject intimidation and embrace change.

Bobi Wine Warns Against Capture of Institutions

Speaking at the same event, Kyagulanyi warned that Uganda’s democracy was at risk if public institutions such as the Electoral Commission and the courts continue to operate under political influence.

“When institutions are used to silence the will of the people, then we no longer have democracy but dictatorship,” he said. “We shall continue to resist peacefully and lawfully until justice prevails.”

He further commended Alupo for her “selfless sacrifice” and Asio for taking on what he described as a “historic responsibility” to represent Bukedea’s marginalized voices.

“You can block one, but you cannot block all of us,” Kyagulanyi declared. “The people of Bukedea deserve a fair chance to choose their leader.”

Bukedea Race Heats Up Ahead of 2026

The Bukedea Woman MP seat is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races in the 2026 general elections. Speaker Anita Among, who also serves as the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, has held the seat since 2016 and remains one of the most influential political figures in the region.

NUP’s entry into the race with Asio Florence signals the opposition’s growing determination to challenge NRM dominance in Eastern Uganda.

As the press conference concluded, NUP members chanted the party’s signature slogan — “People Power, Our Power!” — reaffirming their resolve to continue the struggle for political freedom and fair representation.

“This is not about fear or power,” Asio said. “It’s about truth, service, and the right of Bukedea people to decide their own future.”