Kampala, Uganda: Frank Bulira Kabinga, the presidential flag bearer of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), has rejected the official 2026 presidential election results, insisting that figures compiled by his party’s tally centre in South Africa place him third nationally, not fifth as declared by the Electoral Commission.
According to results announced by the Electoral Commission, Bulira garnered 45,959 votes (0.4%), finishing fifth out of eight candidates. The Commission declared Yoweri Museveni the winner with 7,946,772 votes (71%).
But in a press briefing with journalists at the RPP headquarters in Mengo, Bulira disputed the figures, claiming his party’s tally centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, aggregated results showing he received about 60,000 votes nationwide, placing him third overall.
“Our tally centre abroad compiled returns that do not match what was announced,” Bulira said, adding that the official results “do not reflect the true will of voters.”
Bulira thanked supporters and party coordinators for standing with him throughout what he described as a campaign marred by intimidation and violations of fundamental rights, particularly in the digital space. He said Ugandans nonetheless turned out to vote and exercised their constitutional rights despite restrictions on internet access and online expression.
He accused the Electoral Commission of lacking independence, alleging it operated in favour of the incumbent and could therefore not be trusted to deliver a free and fair electoral process.
Despite the allegations, the RPP leader ruled out a court challenge to the results, saying his party would not pursue legal redress. He further claimed state actions undermined his campaign, accusing authorities of freezing party bank accounts and alleging the Uganda Revenue Authority seized campaign vehicles donated to him by a Qatari prince.
Looking ahead, Bulira said the RPP would focus on rebuilding at the grassroots and strengthening structures countrywide in preparation for the next general election cycle.
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