Ageny
Former Ugandan presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has spoken out against what he calls a “violent military dictatorship” in Uganda.
Kyagulanyi, who has been in “hiding” since January 15th, delivered a video message which was related to the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
He alleged that President Yoweri Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, orchestrated widespread violence and election rigging. It was his second time that Kyagulanyi was addressing the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.
The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy is a major conference that shines a spotlight on urgent human rights situations that require global attention.
It provides a platform for human rights activists and former political prisoners to testify about their personal struggles for democracy and freedom while building an international community to take on dictators.
This year’s summit, like the previous ones, is held around the main annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Many Ugandans expected that the NUP leader would personally attend the conference, given the suspicion that he had fled the country immediately after the January Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
It is the first time he has addressed the international community about the outcome of the recent presidential elections.
Kyagulanyi detailed the events of Uganda’s 2025 presidential campaign, describing arrests, abductions, and internet shutdowns.
He said the election was so manipulated that even at the polling station where Museveni voted, he received more votes than the number of registered voters.
The NUP, however, did not petition the court to challenge the outcome of the election in which he emerged as the runner-up to President Museveni.
Speaking about the human cost, Kyagulanyi revealed the impact on his family. He said his home was raided, his family members tortured, and his wife publicly humiliated.
He stated that while he is in hiding, he doesn’t want to be in hiding. “It was necessary, though, so that I could stay alive. And be able to speak to you right now.”
Kyagulanyi urged the international community to impose sanctions and not recognize Museveni’s government.
He stressed that Ugandans are committed to non-violent resistance. “Ugandans are not seeking pity. We want the world to sanction Museveni, his son, and all human rights violators,” he said.
Kyagulanyi’s message comes as international observers continue to scrutinize Uganda’s elections and human rights record.
The former presidential candidate says he remains in hiding for his safety but vows to return when the time is right. He committed t non-violent means to ending President Museveni’s reign in Uganda.
