Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago accused President Museveni of launching premature election activities before the 2026 general elections. The People's Front for Freedom chairman pointed to Museveni's nationwide travels as evidence of unauthorized campaigning. Lukwago characterized these movements as following traditional campaign patterns that begin in rural areas and conclude in urban centers. The president has scheduled a full week of activities across Kampala's administrative divisions. Opposition leaders view these tours as violations of electoral regulations.
Lukwago's allegations center on Museveni's supervision of poverty reduction initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga programs. These accusations carry significant legal implications for potential election petitions should Museveni win reelection. Previous court challenges have raised similar concerns about the president's pre-campaign activities. Some Supreme Court justices have previously sided with arguments that such tours constitute official state duties rather than political campaigning. Presidential nominations remain scheduled for October according to electoral timelines.
Security forces have restricted public access to key Kampala venues during the presidential visits. Constitutional Square and Kololo ceremonial grounds have become off-limits to opposition gatherings, according to Lukwago's statements. The mayor criticized these restrictions as excessive control over public spaces traditionally used for political events. Lukwago promised that opposition groups would conduct their own city tours after Museveni completes his schedule. Security agencies will likely prevent unauthorized political activities before the Electoral Commission officially opens the campaign period.
Lukwago's allegations center on Museveni's supervision of poverty reduction initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga programs. These accusations carry significant legal implications for potential election petitions should Museveni win reelection. Previous court challenges have raised similar concerns about the president's pre-campaign activities. Some Supreme Court justices have previously sided with arguments that such tours constitute official state duties rather than political campaigning. Presidential nominations remain scheduled for October according to electoral timelines.
Security forces have restricted public access to key Kampala venues during the presidential visits. Constitutional Square and Kololo ceremonial grounds have become off-limits to opposition gatherings, according to Lukwago's statements. The mayor criticized these restrictions as excessive control over public spaces traditionally used for political events. Lukwago promised that opposition groups would conduct their own city tours after Museveni completes his schedule. Security agencies will likely prevent unauthorized political activities before the Electoral Commission officially opens the campaign period.
