By [Your Name], KampalaIn a surprising turn of events, the Uganda Law Society endorses Bobi Wine for the 2026 elections. This decision has sparked widespread discussions across the nation.
In a historic departure from political neutrality, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has publicly endorsed opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, alongside other opposition platforms. This endorsement is ahead of the 2026 general elections. The announcement, made earlier today, signals a dramatic shift in the role of the legal profession in Uganda’s political landscape. It also underscores growing concerns over the erosion of constitutional governance.
“History does not move by convenience. It moves when conscience refuses to be silent,” the ULS declaration reads. This sentiment sets the tone for what is being described as an extraordinary yet necessary decision.
For decades, Ugandans have witnessed the steady militarisation of civilian life, the capture of independent institutions, and the degradation of the judiciary. The ULS cited a litany of abuses that have plagued the country. Lawyers have been abducted, journalists silenced, citizens brutalised, courts weakened, and the Constitution mocked. In this context, the legal fraternity argues, remaining neutral is no longer an option.
“Neutrality in the face of lawlessness is no longer neutrality; it is complicity,” the statement warns.
This public endorsement is unprecedented in Uganda’s political history. Traditionally, professional bodies such as the ULS have maintained strict political neutrality. This neutrality is to uphold impartiality and protect the integrity of their membership. However, the Society argues that the extraordinary circumstances facing the country demand a moral and constitutional response. These circumstances are marked by the normalisation of impunity and systemic violations of fundamental rights.
“Silence would amount to betrayal of our oath as officers of the court,” the ULS emphasized. This highlights the legal profession’s responsibility to defend the Constitution and the rule of law above all else.
By throwing its weight behind Bobi Wine and other opposition leaders, the ULS is framing the 2026 elections as a pivotal moment for Uganda’s democracy. According to the Society, voters face a historic choice. They must decide between the continuation of a culture of impunity or a decisive move toward constitutionalism, institutional independence, and accountable governance.
“We are not appointing a President. We are standing on the side of the rule of law,” the Society clarified. This emphasizes that its intervention is rooted in constitutional principles rather than partisan politics.
The announcement also carries a rallying call to Ugandans, urging citizens to participate actively, lawfully, and fearlessly in the electoral process. Lawyers, law students, civil society actors, and all patriotic Ugandans are being implored to vote. They must stay vigilant, defend their votes, and uphold the Constitution.
Observers note that the move could reshape the political dynamics ahead of the elections. It may inspire other professional bodies and civic groups to take a more vocal stance against government overreach. Legal analysts describe the endorsement as a form of “constitutional self-defence.” This reflects deep concern over the erosion of democratic institutions in Uganda.
“The legal profession will no longer stand idle while the rule of law is extinguished. Uganda must be reclaimed,” the ULS statement concluded, capturing the urgency and resolve behind the decision.
The timing of the announcement, coming nearly two years before the elections, indicates the Society’s determination to influence public discourse. It aims to encourage proactive civic engagement. This also underscores the perception that Uganda’s democracy is at a crossroads. Civil society and professional bodies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally reserved for political actors.
As the country prepares for the 2026 elections, the ULS’s stance is likely to ignite debate. This debate will focus on the role of professional associations in political life, the boundaries between advocacy and partisanship, and the broader struggle for constitutionalism in Uganda. Whether this intervention will galvanize voter turnout or provoke pushback from government-aligned entities remains to be seen. However, the message from the legal fraternity is unmistakable: the defense of the Constitution is now a collective responsibility, and silence is no longer an option.
