Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on February 18, 2026, delivered a video address to the 18th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, calling for targeted international sanctions against President Yoweri Museveni and top Ugandan security officials.<\/p>\n
The summit, held in Geneva, Switzerland, was convened under the theme \u201cUnite Against Tyranny. Rise for Freedom.\u201d Bobi Wine addressed delegates remotely, reportedly while in hiding, amid heightened political tensions following Uganda\u2019s January 15 presidential election.<\/p>\n
In his speech, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader rejected the official results announced by the Electoral Commission on January 17, which declared President Museveni winner with 71.65 percent of the vote, equivalent to approximately 7.95 million ballots. Bobi Wine was credited with 24.7 percent, or about 2.74 million votes.<\/p>\n
He described the electoral process as fraudulent, alleging widespread irregularities including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, violence, arrests, enforced disappearances and an internet blackout during voting and tallying.<\/p>\n
Bobi Wine further accused the government of escalating repression since the election, citing cases of torture, killings, arbitrary detention and what he termed systematic suppression of dissent under Museveni\u2019s long tenure, now extending into a seventh term since 1986.<\/p>\n
He urged the international community to take concrete action, including imposing targeted sanctions on Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and other senior military, police and judicial officials he accused of enabling rights violations. He also called for financial and legal pressure on individuals implicated in abuses, a review of foreign aid to Uganda, and diplomatic isolation of the current administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not asking for favors. We are demanding our rights,\u201d he said, adding that the situation in Uganda had not improved since his previous engagement with the summit following the 2021 elections.<\/p>\n
The Ugandan government dismissed his remarks as reckless and irresponsible, maintaining that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and that allegations of malpractice are politically motivated.<\/p>\n
Supporters of Bobi Wine and NUP praised the address as a bold stand against what they describe as intensifying post-election repression. His speech has since circulated widely on social media and streaming platforms, drawing significant international attention.<\/p>\n
\nUgandan opposition leader and 2026 presidential candidate @HEBobiwine<\/a> now addresses #GenevaSummit2026<\/a> by video.<\/p>\n
He will testify to the political persecution he has endured for challenging the current regime.<\/p>\n
WATCH LIVE: https:\/\/t.co\/AYYtQCRQLa<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/WQFVEbvxdv<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy (@GenevaSummit) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n