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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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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Guinea-Bisau coup: Military takes control, President Embaló arrested

A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has seized control of the country, arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspending the electoral process.

The move comes amid reports of gunfire in the capital, Bissau, and follows a disputed presidential election held on Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses, gunshots were heard near the presidential palace and the National Electoral Commission headquarters, prompting hundreds of people to flee the area.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the presidential palace, later appeared on state TV, announcing the formation of the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and instructing the population to remain calm.

Embaló, who was elected in December 2019, had claimed victory in the presidential election, as had his closest rival, Fernando Dias.

The official results were expected to be announced on Thursday, but the military’s takeover has thrown the country’s future into uncertainty.

The arrested president confirmed his detention to Jeune Afrique magazine, stating that he was taken into custody without violence.

Other high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Defence Forces, General Biague Na Ntan, and Interior Minister Botché Candé, were also reportedly arrested.

Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation with a population of under two million, has a history of instability, having experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

Embaló has previously survived multiple coup attempts, but critics accuse him of fabricating crises to crack down on dissent.

The international community has responded with concern, with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) calling for respect for the electoral process and the release of detained officials.

The situation remains fluid, with the military’s intentions and the future of Guinea-Bissau’s government unclear.


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First Lady Mutinta Hichilema in Chipata for hospital donation drive

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The First Lady of Zambia, Mutinta Hichilema, touched down at Chipata Airport earlier today.

Her visit marks the beginning of a humanitarian outreach programme aimed at supporting key health and community institutions in the region.

According to officials, her primary engagement will be the donation of assorted essential items to Chipata Central Hospital.

The consignment includes medical supplies, hygiene products, and other necessities intended to improve patient care and ease pressure on the facility.

Hospital authorities say the support will significantly boost their capacity to respond to the growing needs of patients in the district.

The First Lady is also expected to meet healthcare workers to appreciate their challenges and encourage them in their service.

Beyond the hospital visit, she will participate in a series of community-focused activities planned throughout the day.

These engagements are designed to promote social welfare, highlight ongoing development initiatives, and strengthen government–community relations.

Residents lined up around the airport and along the main road to welcome her, reflecting the excitement surrounding her visit.

Local leaders have praised the First Lady’s continued commitment to improving public health and supporting vulnerable groups.

The visit forms part of her broader agenda to champion healthcare access, women’s empowerment, and community development across Zambia.

Her team has indicated that similar donation programmes will be rolled out in other districts in the coming months.

The First Lady’s presence in Chipata has already generated positive conversation among locals who view the gesture as timely and impactful.

As activities unfold, many expect her outreach to bring renewed attention to the needs of the health sector in Eastern Province.

Her visit is ultimately seen as a reaffirmation of the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of Zambians through meaningful, people-centred initiatives.


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Trump launches sharp attacks on democratic rivals during White House Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon

Trump to speak with Putin, then Zelenskyy, to push for Ukraine ceasefire

WASHINGTON DC-(MaraviPost)-During the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremony at the White House on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump targeted his political opponents.

Trump’s remarks took aim at several prominent Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Joe Biden, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

The former president used the occasion to criticize their policies and leadership in a series of pointed comments.

Observers noted that Trump’s attacks were unusually direct and combative for a ceremonial event that is typically light-hearted and symbolic.

The turkey pardon, a longstanding White House tradition, involves sparing one or more turkeys from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving.

Despite the festive setting, Trump’s speech turned political, highlighting the ongoing tension between him and the Democratic Party.

Political analysts suggest that such remarks are likely intended to energize his base ahead of upcoming election cycles.

Democratic leaders have not yet formally responded to the former president’s comments from the ceremony.

The event drew media attention both for the traditional turkey pardon and for the unusually aggressive political rhetoric.

Trump’s appearance underscores his continued prominence in American political discourse and his readiness to publicly challenge Democratic figures.

The White House ceremony, typically a light-hearted celebration, was overshadowed by partisan attacks and pointed commentary.

As the holiday season continues, political observers anticipate that Trump’s rhetoric may influence public debate and media coverage in the weeks to come.


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