The Electoral Commission has reportedly informed the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) that it failed to submit the sufficient number of signatures required to nominate its presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi-Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine.
NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya expressed surprise at the announcement’s timing, just days before the nomination deadline. He accused the commission of seeking to block Kyagulanyi’s candidacy, noting that the party had been requesting updates on the verification process without response.
“We’ve been following up with the Electoral Commission for updates on signature verification so we can pay the nomination fees and proceed with nominating our candidate. Just a few minutes ago, we received word from the commission that NUP didn’t submit the required signatures,” Rubongoya said.
According to him, NUP submitted signatures from more than 98 districts, but the EC insists they are insufficient. He added that intimidation of supporters who endorsed NUP has made it difficult to mobilise replacements.
“They’re claiming that only Museveni and a few others have met the signature requirement, despite NUP submitting well in advance. We believe this is a ploy to play games and frustrate us. We are still waiting because they said they would provide the detailed report on this,” Rubongoya added.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi could not be reached for comment. Under the EC’s roadmap, presidential candidates with verified signatures will be nominated on September 23 and 24 at the new EC offices in Lweeza.
Meanwhile, Kyagulanyi has announced plans to hold nomination rallies at Katwe Playground and Natete. He said the NUP secretariat has already notified police of the gatherings, stressing they are within the law.
“Museveni is also being nominated on the same day, and his party has organized a rally at Kololo Independence Ground, which is within the law; similarly, we will hold our nomination rally at Katwe Playground, and afterwards, we’ll proceed to Natete to address the people,” Kyagulanyi said.
“We’ve already notified the police in writing, and there’s nothing unlawful about it.” Kyagulanyi has called on NUP supporters from over 36 districts to go NUP offices on Saturday to submit their signatures. He claims security operatives have been calling and intimidating their supporters who previously signed to deny ever signing for his nomination.
