Fact Check: NUP Nomination Day Coverage and Claims of Violence

As Uganda’s Electoral Commission processes nominations for the 2026 presidential race, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) was nominated on September 24th 2025. Coverage by Explorer Uganda in an article titled “Why Ugandan Youth Must Avoid NUP’s Violent Tactics” claims that NUP is mobilising youth for “violent demonstrations and criminal activities” ahead of the nomination, citing an anonymous “insider close to security operations.”

The Headline by The Explorer Newspaper.

Observed Events

On nomination day, reports indicate that supporters gathered at NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule and proceeded to Lweza. Observations from journalists on the ground describe the gatherings as largely peaceful, with supporters waving Uganda flags and participating in organised processions. Some minor confrontations with security forces were reported, including teargas deployment near Lweza Junction and arrests of MPs and individuals present.

Claim 1: NUP Leadership Encourages Violent Demonstrations

Verdict: Unsubstantiated.

The article’s claim relies solely on an anonymous source. NUP communications prior to the nomination encouraged orderly participation. No independently verified evidence of planned violent demonstrations linked to NUP leadership was observed on the day of nomination.

Claim 2: NUP Coaxed Youth Into 2021 Violence While Leaders Hid Abroad and Profited

Verdict: Misleading.

The article references 2021 election-related unrest. Historical records show that protests in 2021 followed the arrest of Bobi Wine in November 2020. Reports documented 54 deaths, over 1,000 arrests, and injuries primarily attributed to security force actions. Relocation of Bobi Wine’s family and his hospitalisation overseas followed verified threats and injuries. The 2023 documentary Bobi Wine: The People’s President? covers human rights concerns; there is no independent evidence that it generated profit for NUP leadership.

Claim 3: NUP Promotes Tribalism and Chaos While Uganda Enjoys Relative Peace

Verdict: Unsupported.

No specific evidence was provided to support claims of tribalism or orchestrated chaos by NUP during the nomination process. Observed incidents of unrest during nomination day largely involved security interventions rather than actions by opposition supporters.

Explorer Uganda has previously published articles with unverified sources and opinions presented as fact. Ensure to always corroborate claims with multiple independent sources when interpreting politically sensitive reporting.

Based on available observations and cross-verified reports, the nomination process on September 25th 2025, proceeded with predominantly peaceful participation. No verified evidence was found to support claims that NUP leadership orchestrated violent demonstrations.