Bobi Wine warns of potential election rigging as Uganda prepares for 2026 Polls

KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Uganda’s opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming 2026 elections.

Wine alleges that the government is planning to rig the elections and manipulate the outcome in favor of the ruling party.

He claims that his team has “reliable information” suggesting that security agencies intend to provoke chaos and enforce a curfew ahead of voting, drawing parallels to unrest during the 2020 elections.

The opposition leader specifically criticized Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson Simon Byabakama for his perceived “silence” on the alleged illegalities.

Wine went further to urge Byabakama to resign if the EC cannot guarantee transparency and a fair electoral process.

Authorities have denied the allegations, maintaining that Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party has previously violated campaign rules and compromised public safety.

In prior briefings, police accused the NUP of multiple infractions, including blocking highways with unauthorized convoys, attacking officers, vandalizing police vehicles, and defying agreed-upon rally routes.

The government argues that these actions demonstrate a pattern of non-compliance by the NUP, raising concerns about their adherence to electoral regulations.

The EC has responded by reminding all candidates to strictly follow campaign guidelines and regulations.

Officials from the commission assured the public that any confirmed breaches, whether by security forces or political actors, will be addressed appropriately.

As Uganda approaches its 2026 elections, tensions between the ruling authorities and opposition parties appear to be intensifying.

The unfolding situation underscores the challenges the country faces in ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.

Observers have called for vigilance, transparency, and strict adherence to the law to prevent any repeat of past electoral unrest.

The dialogue between the EC, security agencies, and political actors will be critical in shaping public confidence in the upcoming elections.

Wine’s warnings highlight the high stakes and political sensitivity surrounding Uganda’s next national vote.


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Mutharika pledges stronger national security, calls for discipline in newly commissioned soldiers

SALIMA-(MaraviPost)-President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the security and wellbeing of all Malawians.

He said the government will strengthen national security through a holistic approach that promotes collaboration among security agencies and increased engagement with communities.

Mutharika, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), emphasised that the state will continue modernising the military.

He noted that this modernisation includes investing in advanced technology and equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.

The President stressed that these improvements are essential for preparing the MDF to address both current and future security threats.

Mutharika with new MDF officers

He urged the newly commissioned officer cadets to honour the Oath of Office they have taken.

Mutharika reminded them to uphold and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.

He further advised the cadets to maintain professionalism in all circumstances.

The President warned them to refrain from engaging in politics, stating that their duty to the nation is of a higher calling.

He said integrity and discipline must guide their service throughout their military careers.

Mutharika also reiterated Malawi’s commitment to international peacekeeping missions.

He said the country remains dedicated to promoting stability across the globe through active participation in peace-support operations.

The President added that strong cooperation with neighbouring countries is vital for addressing shared security challenges.

He highlighted cross-border threats such as terrorism and human trafficking as issues that require collective regional action.

Mutharika concluded by reaffirming his government’s pledge to continue strengthening the MDF and ensuring that all Malawians live in a secure and stable environment.


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Chawama legislator Tasila Lungu faces possible loss of seat as absence from Parliament persists

LUSAKA–(MaraviPost)-Edgar Lungu — former Zambian president — died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, prompting his daughter, Tasila Lungu, Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency, to travel abroad for funeral and related proceedings.

Her prolonged absence from parliamentary sittings has triggered a formal challenge over whether she should retain her seat.

During a parliamentary session on July 15, 2025, an MP raised a point of order questioning whether it was proper to continue recognising her as an MP, given reports that the family might not return to Zambia.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, reserved her ruling at the time but later stipulated that Tasila Lungu must present herself either at the parliamentary offices or the House within 14 days after her father’s burial — or within 14 days of the opening of the Fifth Session of the 13th Assembly.

As at now, no public announcement has been made by the Speaker or the official parliamentary records indicating that her seat has been declared vacant.

Because her burial has been delayed due to ongoing legal disputes in South Africa over repatriation of the body, the deadline for her return has continued to be subject to postponement — complicating the process of deciding the fate of the Chawama seat.

Despite growing demands from constituents and local governance experts calling for her replacement — arguing that Chawama has effectively been without active representation — the matter remains unresolved until the Speaker’s formal ruling.

In summary: while Tasila Lungu’s seat is under serious threat due to prolonged absence, she has not officially lost it yet. The final outcome depends on whether she returns to the House within the timeframe mandated by the Speaker or whether the Speaker rules to declare the seat vacant.


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Trump bars South Africa from 2026 G20 summit in Miami

WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-US President Donald Trump has blocked South Africa from attending next year’s G20 summit in Miami, Florida, citing the country’s alleged “horrific Human Right Abuses” against white farmers and its refusal to hand over the G20 presidency to a US embassy representative.

The move has sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations, with South Africa calling Trump’s decision “an insult” and vowing to continue participating in all G20 meetings.

The tension between the US and South Africa began when Trump returned to the White House in January, with him repeatedly targeting South Africa on several issues.

Trump has claimed that South Africa is engaged in a “white genocide” against white farmers, a claim that has been widely debunked as false.

South Africa has denied these allegations, insisting that its G20 membership is decided by the group itself, not by Washington.

According to Trump, South Africa refused to hand over the G20 presidency to a senior representative from the US Embassy, who attended the closing ceremony.

In response, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “At my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year”.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed regret over Trump’s remarks, stating that the country’s instruments of the G20 presidency were lawfully handed over to a US Embassy official. Ramaphosa’s office condemned Trump’s behavior, calling it “regrettable” and based on “misinformation and distortions” about South Africa.

The US is South Africa’s second-largest single-country trading partner after China, with total goods and services trade between the two countries reaching an estimated $26.2 billion in 2024.

Trump’s decision to bar South Africa from the G20 summit has been seen as a major diplomatic blow, deepening the rift between Washington and Pretoria.

The G20 summit is scheduled to take place in December 2026 at the Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in Florida, owned by Trump’s family.

The move has raised questions about the future of US-South Africa relations and the impact on global economic cooperation.


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General Horta Nta Na Man takes charge as Guinea-Bissau enters military-led transition

General Horta Nta Na Man has been sworn in as the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau following the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in a military coup.

The armed forces announced the takeover after a disputed election that deepened political tensions across the nation.

Military spokespersons said the coup was necessary because the country’s stability had deteriorated under months of political deadlock.

They accused the outgoing administration of failing to safeguard national cohesion and allowing divisions to paralyse governance.

According to the junta, the disputed election undermined public trust and left the nation facing what they described as an institutional crisis.

A one-year transition period has now been declared to restore constitutional order and prepare for fresh elections.

General Na Man, in his inaugural remarks, pledged to stabilise the country and ensure an inclusive political process.

He also promised that the armed forces would not cling to power beyond the designated transition timeline.

Regional observers and international partners are closely monitoring developments amid renewed concerns about democratic backsliding in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for calm and urged a swift return to civilian rule.

Guinea-Bissau now enters a critical phase as citizens wait to see whether the transitional leadership will deliver on its promises of reform and stability.

The success of the one-year transition will determine whether the country can overcome its recurring cycles of political turmoil.


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Social media turns stolen Malawi’s State House Dogs into national comedy sensation

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Readers on the BBC Facebook page have exploded with humour, satire, and disbelief following claims that security dogs from Malawi’s State House were stolen.

Many users immediately questioned the need for such dogs if they could disappear so easily.

Others joked that Malawians must be shooting a new blockbuster titled “The 4 German Shepherds.”

Some commenters remarked that the missing German Shepherds have now become more famous than local artists.

A few teased that the dogs were actually “expatriates” from South Africa working within the police service.

One user exclaimed “Haibo!” to express shock at the absurdity of the situation.

Another proposed a film titled “German Shepherd at Kamuzu Palace” to dramatise the incident.

Several readers urged everyone not to take the matter too seriously.

One commenter declared that “the king’s dog is king for all dogs,” suggesting that someone stole royal creatures.

Another joked that the correct movie title should be “State House German Shepherd Theft.”

Many pointed out that the story had now gone viral across all platforms.

Some claimed the dogs must have been taken as a sendoff gift when someone left State House.

Others suggested that the dogs might simply have returned to Germany on their own.

A few insisted the missing dogs must have been pedigree German Shepherds, hence the commotion.

Some users reflected humorously that Malawians love to play too much with serious matters.

Another proposed yet another film title: “The Lost Shepherds.”

Some joked that the proper headline should have read “Former President of Malawi Stole 4 German Shepherds.”

Another corrected it further, insisting it should be “Former President of Malawi Assemblies of God Stole 4 German Shepherds.”

At least one commenter distanced themselves, stating that former President Lazarus Chakwera is not their former president.

Others argued that the dogs merely followed him when he moved out and that nothing was actually stolen.

Some added humour by claiming a middleman had been arrested while the kingpin was left holding his fingers.

One reader introduced music by referencing DJ Faka’s “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

Others mocked the idea of a pastor getting involved in such a comical scandal.

Some wondered if people seriously believed Dr. Lazarus Chakwera could be accused of theft.

Others described the situation as “kuyaluka kuposa apa,” meaning extreme chaos or exaggeration.

Some mentioned that he is known as “Kwantere,” adding cultural flavour to the humour.

One warned mysteriously that “night has ears,” implying the dogs might be listening.

Another joked that Malawi is so chaotic that even mangoes get stolen.

More users repeated that the best movie title would simply be “4 German Shepherd Dogs.”

Others insisted the dogs were not stolen but followed their “fellow dog.”

Some stressed again that the whole saga is nothing more than a movie concept.

A few joked that the dogs were kidnapped, not stolen.

One commenter said the headline should have been “The Ex-Shepherd Stole Shepherds.”

Others hilariously noted that even cats have been stolen before.

Some concluded that Malawi has now become a full-time comedy series.

Many pointed out that German Shepherds are expensive and that thieves should be locked up.

Some joked that “security has been stolen,” hinting at deeper concerns.

A few insisted the missing dogs deserve recognition in the Guinness World Records.

One commenter declared the incident equivalent to kidnapping four police officers.

Another asked sarcastically whether the mother of the dogs had lodged a complaint.

Some noted that the issue has become so widespread that even the Area Chairperson must know.

Others wrapped it up by calling the entire saga “Animal Farm,” a fitting metaphor for the bizarre events.


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