The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine has made a shocking claim that the government spends a staggering Shs2 billion daily on deploying armed forces to trail him on campaign trails, instead of using the money to boost service delivery to ordinary citizens.
By press time, this publication could not independently verify this figure. However, Mr Kyagulanyi and other opposition presidential candidates have been seen being trailed by several military and police trucks with security bosses arguing that the heavy deployment is meant to provide security and manage their movement.
‘In our experience this far, the tension points between the security forces and unfortunately almost always one of the political parties, specifically the NUP, is always about infringement of guidelines set regarding departures from designated venues and routes for rallies (rallies in unagreed places-trading centres, markets and along the roads) and traffic rules (driving/riding recklessly, being carried in dangerous manner in motor vehicles and motor cycles),’ the Inspector General of Police, Abba Byakagaba told journalists in Kampala on Monday.
According to the IGP there is need to collocate the right to political expression and attendant freedoms of assembly and expression, with rights of other members within the same ecosystem, to go about their normal businesses.
“It is our duty as UPF to ensure that both sides enjoy their rights and freedoms and whoever breaches the law is handled appropriately,” Mr Byakagaba added before stressing that the laws of the country are not in abeyance and must be adhered to “as we carry out political activities. We urge all stakeholders to continue exercising their rights responsibly and respect the rights of others.”
According to Mr Kyagulanyi, the amount of money spent on trailing him could be better spent on addressing pressing issues plaguing the country, such as the struggling health and education sectors, and the deplorable state of Uganda’s roads.
Addressing a rally in Amolatar Town Council on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the musician turned politician argued that the money is being wasted on intimidating and silencing dissenting voices, rather than serving the people.
‘I am also aware that the army broke over the lake (Lake Kyoga) and almost attacked us. I am also aware that the education is troubling here. I am also aware that we don’t have medicine in the health centres. I am also aware that the young people here do not have jobs. I am also aware that not even one single factory is here. So, my brothers and sisters, I know the problems that you are facing. But there are problems all over the country. Uganda is rich but Ugandans are poor, yet we are gifted with nature.and we have young people that are strong and ready to work. Only that the government does not care for them,’he said.
Mr Kyagulanyi is for the second times seeking to unseat President Museveni, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer who has ruled Uganda for four decades but plans to extend his stay in office further in the 2026 General Election.
‘If you want to understand that this government does not care for the people, look at how many soldiers and police officers following me. Look at how many police officers and military officers who are following me,’ said the NUP presidential candidate, adding that armed forces follow him everywhere in the country.
‘They use more than Shs2 billion every day just to follow me. That shows that we have the money in our country, but those who are in power are only concerned about staying in power and not serving the people.’
The NUP leader has been vocal about the need for change, citing widespread corruption, poverty, and lack of democracy as major concerns.
Mr Kyagulanyi said in a new Uganda he intends to create, all of the money being wasted would be used to improve ordinary people’s lives.
The government’s response to these allegations has been predictably dismissive, but the issue has resonated with many Ugandans who feel their taxes are being misused.
Nonetheless, as the 2026 elections approach, the debate is likely to intensify, with Mr Kyagulanyi positioning himself as a champion of transparency and accountability.
Key issues
Lango still has the lowest stock of paved road network in the country at less than 3% despite the addition of the 191 km Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira road, which is currently under construction.
In Amolatar, there is a need for upgrading Namasale-Amolatar-Ochero-Dokolo road to tarmac, and upgrading Amolatar Health Centre IV to a district hospital.
Voting trend
In 2021, a total of 71,173 people registered to vote in Amolatar, according to data from the Electoral Commission. Mr Kyagulanyi obtained 7,185 votes, while Mr Museveni polled 38,619 votes.