A heated political and legal debate has erupted in Uganda after a group known as the Radical New Bar (RNB) released a strongly worded open letter criticizing President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony at Kololo. The letter, addressed to the Uganda Law Society, describes the event as a “charade” and claims that the country is facing a deepening crisis in its justice and electoral systems.
According to the statement, the group believes there is a direct connection between the heavy military presence in Kampala and unresolved concerns surrounding the 2026 presidential election. The lawyers argue that although the city has been locked down and foreign dignitaries invited for the inauguration, important constitutional and legal requirements related to the declaration of presidential election results have not been fully satisfied.
The open letter accuses the Electoral Commission of failing to publish detailed polling station results, declaration forms, and comprehensive vote tallies from the January 15, 2026 presidential election. The authors claim this has prevented independent verification of the election outcome in which Museveni was declared winner. They insist that transparency and accountability are necessary for public trust in any democratic process.
The group further says that the issue was already highlighted by the Uganda Law Society in its Election Observation Report released earlier this year. The lawyers also revealed that a legal case challenging aspects of the election process has been filed at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha together with the East Africa Law Society. According to the petitioners, the refusal to release detailed election results violates both Ugandan law and regional democratic principles.
In the letter, strong criticism is also directed toward the judiciary and security agencies. The writers accuse state institutions of endorsing an election process they consider deeply flawed. They claim the military deployment in Kampala ahead of the swearing-in ceremony sends a message of intimidation rather than national celebration.
The statement paints Kololo ceremonial grounds as a symbol of political control and fear. The lawyers describe blocked roads, diverted traffic, and restricted movement around Kampala as signs that ordinary citizens are being pushed away from important national events. They argue that instead of unity and openness, the atmosphere surrounding the inauguration reflects tension and public anxiety.
The letter also revisits Uganda’s political history, accusing Museveni’s government of maintaining power through force and suppression over the years. The authors refer to his decades-long leadership as a continuation of authoritarian rule and connect the current political climate to past military actions and controversial political decisions.
Despite the strong accusations, supporters of the government continue to defend the inauguration arrangements, saying security measures are necessary to guarantee peace and order during such a high-profile national event. Government officials have repeatedly maintained that the election was conducted lawfully and that Uganda remains stable and democratic.
The release of the open letter has already triggered intense discussion among lawyers, politicians, activists, and ordinary Ugandans on social media and other public platforms. While some citizens agree with the concerns raised, others believe the criticism is politically motivated and aimed at undermining state institutions.
As Uganda enters another political term under President Museveni, the debate over democracy, transparency, and constitutional governance continues to grow louder. The controversy surrounding the swearing-in ceremony has once again exposed the deep divisions within the country over leadership, justice, and the future direction of Uganda’s democracy.
