Former Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) presidential candidate Bulira Frank Kabinga has attributed his performance in the recent presidential election to what he described as deliberate actions by the government that severely undermined his campaign.
Addressing the media on Monday at the RPP offices in Mengo, Kampala, Bulira said his campaign was crippled by the freezing of his bank accounts and the confiscation of key campaign materials.
“The freezing of my bank accounts was a serious blow to my ability to mobilize resources, transport my team, rent venues, and organize large-scale campaign activities,” Bulira said, expressing frustration over the constraints he faced throughout the campaign period.
He further claimed that government authorities confiscated a container carrying more than one million campaign T-shirts, a move he said significantly limited his visibility and outreach to voters nationwide.
Despite the challenges, Bulira commended the RPP strategic team, manifesto development team, and campaign staff for their commitment and resilience. He also thanked Ugandans who supported his candidacy, saying their trust was a meaningful step toward the change he envisions for the country.
According to Bulira’s own tally, based on 97 percent of the vote, he secured 65,425 votes, representing 0.61 percent of the total vote and placing him fourth overall. He said the votes he received symbolized a growing demand for change, justice, and inclusive leadership.
“These voices are not just numbers; they are a clear signal that Ugandans are yearning for a shift in leadership,” he said.
However, official results released by the Electoral Commission indicated that Bulira received 45,959 votes, accounting for 0.415 percent of the total vote and placing him fifth. While acknowledging the discrepancy, Bulira maintained that limited resources and campaign disruptions significantly reduced his ability to engage voters, particularly through rallies and grassroots mobilization.
“The disruption of funding and key resources denied us meaningful access to the people,” he said.
He said the freezing of his accounts prevented him from accessing campaign funds, while overseas supporters willing to provide financial backing were blocked.
Despite the outcome, Bulira insisted that he would have won by a landslide if not restrained, claiming to have monitored vote counts from his tally centre in Johannesburg.
He acknowledged that his party’s poor performance in parliamentary elections was partly due to limited resources, which prevented RPP from adequately supporting its candidates.
Looking ahead, Bulira said the party will focus on issues benefiting all Ugandans while rebuilding its political structures.
Several of his campaign vehicles were reportedly impounded by the Uganda Revenue Authority, and many supporters were detained, leaving Bulira able to hold only two rallies nationwide.
Despite the setback, Bulira said his resolve remains firm. “The journey for change in Uganda is not a short-term battle. It is a long-term struggle for the country’s full liberation,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed his commitment to building an inclusive Uganda that recognizes the rights and needs of all citizens and regions. He emphasized the importance of advancing a federal system as a pathway to equitable development.
“This is not the end. We move forward with clarity, unity, and unwavering dedication to the Uganda we all deserve,” he said, urging supporters to remain focused and united.
Although he strongly opposed the re-election of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Bulira ruled out challenging the election results in court.
“We will continue the fight in the right way—peacefully and strategically,” he concluded.
As he charts his next political steps, Bulira says his vision for a more inclusive and just Uganda remains unchanged, despite the challenges encountered during the electoral process.
