"Kampala-Uganda-16-Feb Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has declared that there is no real opposition left in Uganda, describing rival political forces as effectively “dead” following the country’s recent general elections. Speaking in February 2026, Mr. Museveni criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader, Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi, claiming that opposition politics in Uganda has become nothing more than “cheating” and lacks genuine support. He alleged that in previous elections the opposition attempted to manipulate votes — claims rejected by the NUP. “When you hear that there’s opposition — there’s no opposition in Uganda. It’s just cheating,” the President said, asserting that the

ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) dominates the political landscape. Context: Post-Election Tensions The comments come amid heightened political tensions after the January 2026 presidential election, in which Museveni was declared the winner with more than 70 % of the vote. The election saw clashes, allegations of fraud, and a heavy security presence, with opposition figures disputing the outcome. While the government denies wrongdoing, rights groups have raised concerns about repression, including arrests of opposition supporters and constraints on civil liberties during and after the polls. Political Landscape and Reactions Museveni’s remarks reflect his long-standing dominance of Ugandan politics — having ruled since 1986 — and his critique of opposition movements as unable to mount a credible challenge. Critics argue that institutional barriers, security crackdowns, and contested electoral processes have weakened political pluralism in the country. Opposition supporters reject Museveni’s characterization, insisting that democratic competition still exists and warning that statements portraying the opposition as “dead” undermine pluralism and civic engagement. "